Athlete's Foot Specialist

Why do I have athlete’s foot?

Tinea pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a contagious infection that usually affects the areas between your toes. Fungi most commonly cause athlete’s foot, and athlete’s foot-causing organisms thrive in warm, dark, moist environments — hence why they attack your feet.

Athlete’s foot spreads easily. If you walk barefoot on a contaminated surface, like in a gym locker room or across a pool deck, you can easily become infected. Usually, the organisms enter areas where your skin is weak, damaged, or injured, and continue to spread throughout your foot.

To make matters worse, if you scratch at your athlete’s foot rash and then touch your other foot, not only can the organisms spread to your hand (tinea manuum), they can also spread to your other foot. Since athlete’s foot spreads so easily, it’s important to wash your hands if you have it and to always keep your feet protected, at least with flip-flops, in communal areas.

How do I know if I have athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot symptoms can range from mild to severe, where you experience unbearable discomfort. Some of the most common and obvious signs associated with athlete’s foot include:

• Overly dry, flaky skin
• Red rash
• Burning or itching
• Inflammation or blisters

Athlete’s foot can even spread down into the soles of your feet or into your toenails. You can get treatment at the first sign of athlete’s foot, so the rash (hopefully) doesn’t worsen and start affecting your quality of life.

What is the treatment for athlete’s foot?

The team of foot and ankle experts at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson understand how uncomfortable and debilitating athlete’s foot can become. They offer several solutions to help relieve your discomfort, help your foot heal, and prevent a future outbreak. Your athlete’s foot treatment may include:

• Oral antiviral medications
• Topical antiviral creams or ointments
• Foot powders

While less common, sometimes athlete’s foot stems from a bacterial infection. In this case, you might need oral antibiotic medications, such as penicillin. Until your rash heals, it’s important to wash your feet regularly, especially between your toes, and keep your feet dry.

Before your athlete’s foot discomfort worsens — or spreads to someone else — get started on treatment at Podiatry Clinic of Jackson. Either request an appointment online or call the office.