Exactly what is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete's Foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the foot skin. It causes itching, burning and cracking of the skin between your toes or around your heel. The fungus thrives in moist environments such as public showers and swimming pools. Athlete's Foot can spread to other body parts like your groin (jock itch) or underarms if not treated properly.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?
The most common symptoms of Athlete’s Foot include itching and stinging on the bottom or sides of the feet, dry, flaky skin, redness, rashes between toes with inflammation and cracking/blistering that can cause pain. Other signs might also include a burning feeling when walking and strong-smelling feet.
Beat Athlete's Foot - Find Out What Causes It Now!
Athlete's Foot is caused by a fungal infection of the skin, usually on the toes and feet. Other factors that may lead to Athlete's Foot include:
- Wearing tight closed-toed shoes for extended periods.
- Walking barefoot in public places.
- Having sweaty feet often.
- Having a weakened immune system.
- Not drying your feet properly after bathing or showering.
Exploring the Different Forms of Athlete's Foot:
- Interdigital: This type of athlete's foot creates an itchy, scaly rash between the toes and the soles of the feet. It is common in moist environments such as locker rooms, poolsides, and bathrooms, where shoes are often worn without socks.
- Moccasin Type: This type of foot infection typically starts at the sole but may also spread up around both sides of the foot or even parts of the ankle area; this type usually occurs when there has been long-term exposure to damp conditions or from contact with contaminated surfaces like mats or carpets.
- Vesicular: Blisters form on the feet due to friction and moisture inside a shoe, promoting the growth of microorganisms that cause inflammation and discomfort. A secondary infection can then occur if these open blisters become infected by bacteria or fungi.
- Plantar: Commonly known as heel fissures, this sort of athlete’s foot is caused by excessive dryness within footwear creating cracks in the skin, which then allows fungus found in dark, wet places, to enter underfoot, resulting in redness and swelling.
Steps for Relief: Learn How to Spot Athletes' Foot Today!
- Pay attention to any signs of itching, redness or cracking on the skin between your toes or in other areas of the foot.
- Look for dry and flaky patches as well as blisters that are filled with clear fluid.
- Seek advice from a podiatrist if you suspect you have Athlete’s Foot since it can be difficult to treat without proper treatment, such as prescription medications or antifungal creams/sprays. Getting a correct diagnosis from your podiatrist is important so that the right type of treatment is prescribed and the condition is properly resolved without causing further complications.
- Wash your feet daily using warm water and antibacterial soap to help keep fungus away while reducing symptoms of this uncomfortable conditi
Did You Know?
Athlete's Foot accounts for 15-25% of all skin-related issues seen by Podiatrists and 30-40% seen by Dermatologists.
It is believed that 35%-70% of people will have had Athlete’s Foot at least once, with around 20% having a recurring infection each year.
According to studies, the infection rate for Athlete's Foot is much higher among men than women - in fact, men are four times more likely to become infected due to habits such as going barefoot or wearing open-toe sandals more often than women do.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of Athlete's Foot, visiting a podiatrist for help is essential. Podiatrists are medical specialists who focus on identifying and managing foot-related conditions.
They can offer a precise diagnosis so that appropriate care can start. Additionally, they may be able to prescribe medications or creams to relieve discomfort and speed recovery. They may also recommend changes in lifestyle and exercise habits or suggest orthotics or special padding for your shoes as part of a greater effort to prevent further infections from assuming dominance on delicate skin tissue near the toes. A podiatrist will be able to determine what steps must be taken to reach optimal health once again!
For Foot Care You Can Trust, See a Greenberg Podiatrist Now!
Our Ottawa-based clinic specializes in providing top-notch care for people of all ages. We offer the latest techniques to get you back on the path to health and physical activity again. Together, we’ll find a treatment plan to correct your condition and prevent it from recurring.
Whether you live in Ottawa or visit, make the right move by scheduling a consultation with Greenberg Podiatry.