Athlete’s Foot
A persistent itch between your toes would be one thing. But peeling skin and the uncomfortable burning on your soles? Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) might be a common fungal infection, but it’s more than a nuisance. It can be stubborn, and it will spread if not properly addressed!
In this guide, Advanced Foot Care of NJ will help you understand what athlete’s foot is, how you might get it, and how to recognize the symptoms.
How Does Athlete’s Foot Spread?
The fungi responsible for this infection (dermatophytes) are the same ones that cause ringworm and jock itch. Understanding how this fungus spreads is key to prevention:
- These fungi love warm, dark, and moist places – think sweaty shoes, damp socks, and the floors of communal areas like public showers, locker rooms, or pool decks.
- Athlete’s foot is contagious. It spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact or, more commonly, by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces.
Spotting the Symptoms: Is It Athlete’s Foot?
Symptoms vary but often include:
- Itching, Stinging, or Burning: Often the most bothersome symptom, typically between toes or on the soles.
- Skin Changes: You might see scaling, peeling, or cracking skin, especially between toes or on the foot’s bottom. Skin can appear red and inflamed.
- Blisters: Small, sometimes itchy blisters may develop.
- Dryness: Chronic dry, scaly skin on the soles and sides can also be a sign.
The fungus can also spread to toenails, causing them to become thick, discolored, and brittle (onychomycosis).
Why OTC Might Not Work
While mild cases might respond to over-the-counter (OTC) antifungals, these often have limitations. And left unchecked…
- It Can Spread: Untreated, the infection can spread to other foot areas, toenails, or even other body parts. It’s also transmissible to family members.
- Symptoms Can Worsen: Mild itching can progress to painful cracking and blistering.
- Recurrence is Common: OTC treatments often fail to eradicate the fungus, leading to frustrating recurrence!
When to See a Podiatrist: Expert Help for Stubborn Fungus
Consult a podiatrist if:
- Your symptoms are severe or widespread.
- OTC treatments haven’t helped!
- You have diabetes, poor circulation, or a compromised immune system (higher risk for complications).
- Your toenails appear affected.
- You experience significant redness, swelling, pain, or signs of a bacterial infection (like pus).
A podiatrist provides an accurate diagnosis (as conditions like eczema can mimic athlete’s foot) and recommends the most effective treatment, which might include oral antifungals and shoe sterilization.
At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
