Athlete’s foot is a fairly common, contagious condition that is caused by a fungal infection. The infection thrives in warm, moist environments, such as the inside of a shoe. It’s very common for athlete’s foot to develop in between the toes. Some key signs that you may be experiencing this condition include a burning, stinging, or itching sensation, as well as redness and flaking.

Athlete’s foot may spread by direct skin to skin contact, as well as by indirect contact, such as walking barefoot on a surface where the fungus lies. Environments such as locker rooms and communal showers are popular areas where athlete’s foot is known to spread. In order to better prevent yourself from catching athlete’s foot, it’s advised to take certain precautions. These precautions can include washing your feet often and drying them thoroughly, wearing clean cotton socks, washing your towels regularly, making sure you change your shoes and socks regularly, and avoiding walking around barefoot in public areas. It’s also advised to refrain from sharing footwear and to take footwear off as soon as possible after exercising. Pedicures are also a very common source /environment where fungal infections are acquired.

Because athlete's foot is best treated promptly, we recommend you consult with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Condition:

Athlete’s foot is a very common skin infection of the foot caused by fungus. When the feet stay moist, warm and irritated, this fungus can thrive and infect the skin. Fungal infections can occur anywhere on the body, including the scalp, trunk, extremities (arms and legs), hands, feet, nails, groin and other areas.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of athlete’s feet include drying skin, itching, scaling, inflammation and blisters. Athlete’s foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails, and can spread to other parts of the body, including the groin and underarms.

Prevention:

• Avoid walking barefoot. Use shower shoes.
• Reduce perspiration by using talcum powder.
• Wear light and airy shoes.
• Wear socks that keep your feet dry, and change them frequently if you perspire heavily.
• Choose your pedicure environment wisely and ask pedicurist to use disposable files and sterilized instruments. (the files used between patients is a very common source of transmission)