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Causes of Athlete's Foot and Ways to Avoid It

Tuesday, 12 March 2024 00:00

Athlete's foot, a common fungal infection, can cause discomfort and itching, urging us to delve into its origins and effective prevention strategies. This condition thrives in warm, damp environments, making communal spaces like locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers breeding grounds. Direct contact with the fungus through contaminated surfaces or by sharing items such as towels and shoes facilitates its spread. Prevention begins with practicing good hygiene, including thorough drying between toes and keeping feet clean. Opting for breathable footwear and moisture-wicking socks helps maintain a dry environment, discouraging fungal growth. Regularly changing socks and allowing shoes to air out are essential habits to practice. Additionally, avoiding walking barefoot in public areas further reduces the risk of exposure. Swift attention to any signs of infection, such as redness or scaling, is pivotal for early intervention. If you have developed athlete’s foot, it is strongly suggested that you confer with a podiatrist who can effectively treat this condition, which may include prescribing medication.

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our doctors from Coral Desert Foot & Ankle.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

  • Hydrate your feet by using lotion
  • Exfoliate
  • Buff off nails
  • Use of anti-fungal products
  • Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact one of our offices located in St. George and Kanab, UT, and Mesquite, NV . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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