A Podiatrist’s Guide to Athlete’s Foot

Despite the name, anyone can get Athlete’s Foot, a condition medically known as tinea pedis. This common fungal infection can be persistent, and it can spread when not managed correctly. At Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, we regularly help patients understand, spot, and treat Athlete’s Foot. Read on to learn how we’ll help you handle it (or avoid it altogether!)

What Is Athlete’s Foot (And How Did I Get It?)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments – think sweaty shoes, damp socks, public showers, locker room floors, pool decks.

It’s also contagious, meaning it can easily spread.

You can catch Athlete’s Foot through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or, more commonly, by touching contaminated surfaces with bare feet (like floors, mats, towels, or inside shared shoes).

Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms vary but often include…

  1. Itching, stinging, or burning. This is typically the most prominent symptom, usually felt between the toes or on the soles.
  2. Cracking, peeling, scaling, or flaking skin, especially between toes or on the bottom of the feet.
  3. Small, sometimes itchy blisters may appear.
  4. Chronic dryness and scaling on the soles can be a sign.
  5. Unfortunately, the fungus can spread to your toenails, causing them to become thick, discolored, brittle, or crumbly.

Preventing Athlete’s Foot

  • Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
  • Change socks frequently if your feet sweat; choose moisture-wicking materials.
  • Wear waterproof shower shoes or sandals in public showers, locker rooms, or pool areas.
  • Never share towels, socks, or shoes with others.
  • Alternate shoes daily to allow them to dry out completely.

Treatment and Timelines

Duration depends heavily on the severity of the infection, the treatment method used, and how consistently you follow the treatment plan.

  • Over-the-counter creams, sprays, or powders are often the first line of defense for mild cases. However, their effectiveness varies, and they must be used consistently for the entire recommended period (often several weeks), even after symptoms improve.
  • For persistent, severe, or recurring infections, or if toenails are involved, prescription-strength topical or oral medications might be necessary. These can come with side effects, however.

Regardless of the chosen method, consistency and clinical approval are key. Stopping treatment too early or choosing dubious, ineffective options for management allows the fungus to return.

Struggling with Athlete’s Foot? Choose the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute for comprehensive podiatric services! Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs. Like Dr. Michaels always says,

“If it’s below the knee, think of me!”