Athlete's Foot Specialist

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal foot infection. Athlete's foot occurs in several forms, with symptoms varying in each. 

Toe web 

The most common kind of athlete's foot occurs within your toe webbing. Common symptoms include red skin, peeling, scaliness, and skin cracking. Severe skin cracking can allow bacteria in, causing a secondary bacterial infection. 

Moccasin

Moccasin athlete's foot affects the foot soles and the side of your feet. It commonly causes dry and scaly skin that may crack.

Vesicular 

With vesicular athlete's foot, you develop small red blisters.  Usually, the blisters appear on the bottom of your feet or between your toes. The blisters burst easily, which can lead to a secondary bacterial infection. 

Athlete's foot can occur in one or both feet, and you can spread the symptoms to your hands and other areas if you pick and scratch your feet.

What causes athlete's foot?

The athlete's foot fungus thrives in warm, humid environments, including the insides of your shoes. Wearing damp socks or shoes can encourage its development.

The fungus can linger and grow quickly in public environments like locker rooms, gyms, and swimming pools. If you're barefoot in such an environment or use a towel after an infected person, athlete's foot can occur. 

How do you diagnose athlete's foot?

Your West Suburban Podiatry specialist can typically diagnose athlete's foot with a foot exam. Certain other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, can look similar to athlete's foot. 

Your doctor may perform a skin test by scraping your skin lightly, then examine the skin cells under a microscope to look for the fungus. 

How is athlete's foot treated?

Treatment often starts with topical creams or ointments. Over-the-counter formulas, as recommended by your podiatrist, may treat your athlete's foot effectively. For more serious athlete's foot, you may need a prescription-strength topical formula. 

If you have persistent athlete's foot, you might need oral antifungal medication. With a secondary bacterial infection, your podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics as well. 

With help from your friendly podiatrist at West Suburban Podiatry, you can beat athlete’s foot and end your discomfort quickly. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today.