What Is Athlele's Foot?
Athlete's foot ( also know as
tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking, and itch of affected areas, is caused by fungi. It is usually transmitted in moist damp communal areas where people walk barefoot, such as locker rooms, showers or bathhouses, the disease requires a warm moist environment, such as the inside of a shoe, in order to incubate.
How Did I Get It?
While the fungus is generally picked up through walking barefoot in an infected area or using an infected towel, infection can be prevented by remaining barefoot as this allows the feet to dry properly and removes the fungus' primary incubator - the warm moist interior of a shoe. Athlete's foot can be treated by a number of pharmaceuticals (including creams) and other treatments
If untreated, skin blisters and cracks caused by
Athlete’s foot can cause serious bacterial infections. The treatment of Athlete’s foot depends on the type and extent of the fungal infection, so it is important to consult with a podiatrist before choosing a therapy.
What Are My Treatment Options?
Athlete’s foot can usually be treated with antifungal creams. Re-infection is common, so it is important to continue the therapy as prescribed, even if the fungus apparently goes away. Severe cases of Athlete’s foot may require foot soaks before applying anti-fungal creams. Severe infections that appear suddenly (acute) usually respond well to treatment. Toenail infections that can develop with athlete’s foot tend to be more difficult to cure than fungal skin infections.
If you are concerned about your athlete's foot, contact us at Gaston Foot & Ankle Specialists and set up an appointment-704-861-0425
