Athlete's Foot

About 15% of people experience athlete’s foot. Without treatment, this common infection spreads, causing itchy, peeling, and irritated skin. At Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. in Arcadia, California, board-certified podiatrists and foot and ankle surgeons Caitlyn Lee, DPM, AACFAS, and Wenjay Sung, DPM, FACFAS, offer complete care for athlete’s foot, including prescription antifungal medication, topical ointments, and foot powder. Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today to schedule an athlete’s foot appointment, or book your visit online. 

Athlete’s foot only affects athletes, right?

Wrong. Athlete’s foot affects people of all ages and activity levels. It’s most common in runners and other active individuals, but anyone with sweaty feet is at risk.

If the skin between your toes is red, itchy, or peeling, contact Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. The sooner you receive treatment, the less likely the infection will spread.

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot symptoms include:

• Scaly, peeling, or cracked skin 
• Red, irritated skin
• Itchiness
• Inflamed skin
• Burning or stinging

These problems are typically worse right after you take off your shoes or socks, but they can occur throughout the day, depending on the infection’s severity.

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection. Several types of fungus can trigger an outbreak, but all spread through skin-to-skin contact. To reduce your risk of coming into contact with foot fungus, avoid sharing shoes, socks, and towels with others.

If you spend time in public areas, like spas or swimming pools, always wear sandals or shoes when walking around.

How does a podiatrist diagnose athlete’s foot?

Your Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. provider reviews your medical records, asks about your symptoms, and examines the skin between your toes and on the bottom of your feet.

Most infections are easy to spot, but your podiatrist might collect a skin sample (biopsy) and send it to a lab for analysis.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. treats athlete’s foot using a conservative and minimally invasive approach. Depending on the type of fungus and the severity of the infection, your podiatrist might suggest:

• Over-the-counter antifungal creams or ointments
• Prescription antifungal drugs
• Changing your socks several times daily
• Washing your feet with soap and water daily

If you’re prescribed medication, take all the pills. If you stop early, the infection might return and be more difficult to treat. 

What happens if athlete’s foot goes untreated?

Athlete’s foot is highly contagious. If you don’t stop the infection quickly, it can spread to other parts of your body, such as your hands, toenails, or groin. More severe infections often cause blisters or open sores to form. These wounds are painful and more likely to become infected.

Call Global Podiatry Partners, Inc. today to schedule treatment for athlete’s foot, or book your appointment online.