Athlete's foot is typically not serious, but it can be a challenge to treat.
During the warmer months, you might notice itchy, sweaty feet which could be a sign you’ve got a fungal infection known as athlete’s foot.
Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet and can spread to the toenails.
"A lot of people know it from dry, itchy areas between the toes that they can’t get rid of. They put powder on it, they put things over-the-counter on it and it just kinda festers," Dr. Tyson Green, a foot and ankle specialist at the Center for Orthopedics said.
He said it's called athlete's foot because it's commonly seen in athletes, but anyone, particularly in the hot, summer months, can contract it.
"You see it in people who have a job that they sweat a lot. Within boots, within cleats in athletes. We'll see a lot of different redness areas of infection on there," Green said.
The fungal infection is spread through contact, but it's more itchy than it is painful.
"When it's itching a lot, then you start scratching it and then it starts irritating, and then it starts hurting. But the first signs and symptoms are itchy, maybe some redness. Some people in between the toes it'll look like you sat in the bathtub for a long time. You know we get prune hands -- you'll get some little areas of maceration between the toes," Green explained.
One of the most common reasons athlete's foot lingers is because people don't treat their shoes, so they re-infect their feet.
Here's what doctor Green suggests:
"You can take wadded up newspaper or paper towels and spray them down with Lysol and stuff them in the shoes and just leave them there overnight. That'll kill the fungus in there. It'll also kill other bacteria. One of the neat ways of doing it is taking your shoes and putting them in a garbage bag and sticking them in a deep freezer overnight," Green said.
That kills the fungus and the bad shoe smell. If you take those steps and use over-the-counter antifungals, your infection should clear within a couple of weeks. If it doesn't, you might need a prescription medication or it could be a sign of a different skin condition.
Remember, it’s always recommended that you protect your feet from contamination at a public gym or swimming pool by wearing flip flops or sandals.
I'm a podiatry enthusiast with a deep understanding of foot health and conditions. My knowledge is grounded in extensive research and practical insights into various foot-related issues. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article about athlete's foot.
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet, often recognized by dry and itchy areas between the toes. Dr. Tyson Green, a foot and ankle specialist, highlights the prevalence of this condition, not just among athletes but in anyone, particularly during hot summer months.
Key Concepts:
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Nature of Athlete's Foot:
- Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection.
- It primarily affects the skin on the feet but can spread to the toenails.
- Common symptoms include dry, itchy areas between the toes.
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Causes and Spread:
- The infection is spread through contact.
- It's more itchy than painful.
- Sweating, common in athletes or those with jobs involving excessive sweating, contributes to its development.
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Symptoms:
- Initial signs include itching, redness, and possible maceration between the toes.
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Prevention and Treatment:
- Athlete's foot can be prevented by wearing flip flops or sandals in public gyms or swimming pools.
- Treatment involves addressing shoes to prevent reinfection.
- Dr. Green recommends using wadded-up newspaper or paper towels sprayed with Lysol in shoes overnight to kill the fungus.
- Another method involves placing shoes in a garbage bag and freezing them overnight to eliminate fungus and odor.
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Over-the-Counter and Prescription Medications:
- Over-the-counter antifungals are suggested for treatment.
- If the infection persists, prescription medications may be necessary.
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Duration of Treatment:
- With proper measures, the infection should clear within a couple of weeks.
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Indicators of Persistent Issues:
- If the infection doesn't clear, it might be a sign of a different skin condition, requiring further examination.
In summary, understanding the nature of athlete's foot, its causes, symptoms, and effective prevention and treatment methods is crucial for maintaining foot health. Dr. Green's recommendations, including shoe hygiene and over-the-counter antifungals, offer practical insights for managing and preventing athlete's foot.
