Definitions:
Athlete’s foot is a skin infection that is caused by fungus. Fungus infections can occur on any part of the body. Because fungus thrives in moist, warm, and dark places such as in side a shoe, it commonly occurs on the feet. Athletes, who commonly have sweaty feet from sports activity often experience this fungal condition; thus it’s name.
The condition more commonly occurs in warm condition when the feet sweat more. Fungus thrives in wet moist areas such as locker rooms, pools, and showers, making it easily spreadable to other parts of the body or others feet.
Signs and Symptoms:
The signs of athlete’s foot are itchy and dry scaly skin, commonly on the soles of the feet and in between toes. In the worst cases, inflammation, cracks, and blisters may develop or an infection caused by bacterial may form.
Diagnosis:
Diagnosis is simply made by examination of the foot and looking for irritation, dry, and scaling skin.
Treatment:
Dr. Westermeyer, your Escondido podiatrist, has many treatment options available and will choose the method that is best suited to the condition and the patient’s lifestyle. To help relieve the symptoms, one or more of the following suggestions and or treatments may be used:
- Practicing good hygiene to reduce the spread of the fungus to other parts of the body or to others.
- Washing the feet thoroughly each day with soap and water and making sure the feet are thoroughly drying, including between the toes.
- Keeping the feet as dry as possible.
- Avoiding walking barefoot.
- Changing socks frequently to avoid prolonged moisture on the feet.
- Using of anti-fungal creams, powders, or sprays to treat the condition.
If you experience any of the symptoms above, please come in and visit Dr. Westermeyer to determine the severity of the condition and to learn about the treatment options available to you.
