Athlete’s Foot Treatments
What is Athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, a painful fungal infection, can be difficult to treat on your own. Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that mostly affects the feet, with the potential to spread to toenails and hands. The fungus thrives in warm, humid, and dark environments, which makes athletes more prone to the infection. Communal showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms are hotbeds for the bacteria.
How did I get athlete’s foot?
The fungi that enter your skin and lead to an athlete’s foot infection thrive in moist, dark, warm environments. So if you’ve recently spent time barefoot near a pool, in a gym locker room, or in a communal shower, you may have come into contact with the foreign invader.
Not everyone who comes into contact with fungal organisms develops the athlete’s foot. Your risk is higher if you have:
- Open wounds or cuts
- Overly sweaty feet
- Weakened immune system
- History of athlete’s foot
The major concern with athlete’s foot – aside from the debilitating discomfort – is that if blisters start opening up, you risk developing a serious bacterial infection. Plus, the fungal invaders and any related bacterial infection can spread to other areas of your body.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Because an athlete’s foot is highly contagious, it’s important to understand the signs and symptoms, so you can get started on treatment right away.
- Red rash
- Itchy, scaly skin
- scaly patches
- Inflammation or blisters
- Overly dry or flaky skin
That is why the timely treatment of Athlete’s foot is advised and can be prevented by keeping your feet covered as much as possible, especially on wet or damp floors. Talcum powder, airy shoes, and proper socks can also aid in prevention.
What are the most effective athlete’s foot treatments?
Treatment includes fungicidal and fungistatic chemical creams. However, for persistent cases of athlete’s foot, oral or topical antifungal drugs may be prescribed.
Dr. Kosak and her caring team understand how uncomfortable an athlete’s foot can be and how quickly it can develop. They provide comprehensive treatment plans designed to resolve your athlete’s foot infection as quickly as possible. You may benefit from the top 4 most effective Athlete’s foot treatments:
- Oral antifungal drugs
- Prescription-strength topical creams
- Antifungal powders or sprays
- Antibiotics (if you have a bacterial infection)
Dr. Kosak also counsels you on how to prevent the infection from spreading and how to minimize your future risk of athlete’s foot. She may have you come back to Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians for a follow-up visit, just to ensure your athlete’s foot treatment is providing effective relief.
Before your athlete’s foot infection worsens or spreads to someone else, book an evaluation with top-rated podiatrist Ruth Kosak, DPM, of Arizona Foot and Ankle Physicians in Scottsdale. For more information on the athlete’s foot or to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (480) 247-8443!