Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, affects more than just athletes. Over 10% of the North American population will experience this common fungal infection, particularly adult men. It causes fungus to develop between the toes and requires attention to prevent complications.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
Recognizing symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment.
Besides the characteristic fungus between toes, tinea pedis presents with redness, lesions, itching, cracks, blisters under the foot, burning sensations, exfoliation, skin thickening, unpleasant odors, and whitening of the skin between toes.
Long-term complications may include:
- Onychomycosis (nail fungus): fungal infection of toenails.
- Infectious cellulitis: inflammation and bacterial infection under the skin from prolonged untreated tinea pedis.
Consult a podiatrist if you notice these symptoms, especially if diabetic, to avoid worsening infection.
Causes of athlete’s foot
Humidity and foot perspiration are primary causes promoting fungal spread; thus, the infection is common in hot weather.
Other causes include heredity, foot blisters, dermatological diseases, wearing narrow shoes without socks, and weakened immune systems.
Preventing athlete’s foot
Avoid walking barefoot in wet areas such as gyms or public pools to prevent spreading this contagious infection.
Additional precautions:
- Do not share towels, socks, or shoes.
- Wear absorbent cotton socks, avoiding nylon or polyester.
- Change socks frequently.
- Choose comfortable, breathable shoes and clean them regularly.
- Wash and thoroughly dry feet daily, especially after sweating.
For sweaty feet, use antiperspirant powders or creams and consider foot baths, available in pharmacies.
The podiatrist’s role in treating your athlete’s foot
If home remedies fail, consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis, as conditions like eczema, bacterial infections, or psoriasis may have similar symptoms to athlete’s foot (learn more).
The podiatrist prescribes tailored antifungal treatments in forms such as creams, gels, ointments, or foams and schedules follow-ups to ensure progress. They also advise on foot care, reducing symptoms, and selecting appropriate socks and shoes to minimize sweating.
PiedRéseau: a network of podiatrists to treat your athlete’s foot
PiedRéseau encompasses around forty podiatric clinics across Quebec equipped with cutting-edge technology to treat foot infections effectively. Schedule an appointment at a nearby PiedRéseau clinic and eliminate your athlete’s foot!