Locked inside shoes and socks all day, your feet serve as the perfect feeding ground for infections like athlete’s foot. If you have a bad case of athlete’s foot, Vito La Puma, DPM and the experienced team at Healthy Step Podiatry, with an office located in Midtown East and the Financial District of New York City, can help you get rid of the fungal infection. Call the office today or request an appointment online.
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that appears on your foot. You may be at risk of developing athlete’s foot if you have sweaty feet that spend a lot of time enclosed in shoes. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is contagious, and you can pick up the infection when you come in contact with a contaminated surface, such as the floor or even a towel.
Athlete’s foot tends to be more common in men, and you may be at risk of developing the infection if you walk around in public places, such as a sauna or gym locker room, without shoes.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot causes a red itchy rash to develop on your foot, usually between the toes. You may find that the rash is most bothersome after you take your shoes and socks off. Some forms of the infection can cause you to develop blisters or even chronic dryness or scaling of the skin on your foot.
Your athlete’s foot can affect one or both of your feet, and if you’re not careful, it can spread to your toenails or hand.
If you have athlete’s foot, you should contact the specialists at Healthy Step Podiatry for treatment, especially if you have a history of diabetes. You also want to get help for your athlete’s foot if your rash is red and swollen or you’ve developed a fever.
What is the treatment for athlete’s foot?
Treatment for your athlete’s foot depends on the severity of your infection. For a mild infection, your specialist may recommend an over-the-counter antifungal cream to help clear things up.
However, if your infection is serious or not responding well to the over-the-counter medication, you may benefit from a prescription-strength antifungal cream to help get rid of your fungal infection. Sometimes, oral antifungal medication is needed.
For fungus that has spread to the toenails or toenails that are damaged, the team uses the KeryFlex Nail Restoration System® to improve the appearance of your nails while treating the fungal infection.
How can I prevent athlete’s foot?
If you’ve had athlete’s foot, then you know how much the itchy rash can affect your life. Taking steps to protect yourself from the fungal infection may help prevent a recurrence. The specialists at Healthy Step Podiatry recommend:
- Wearing shoes in public places
- Changing your sweaty socks regularly
- Investing in well-ventilated shoes
- Using an antifungal drying powder on your feet daily
It’s also important to keep your feet dry, especially in between the toes. So, after a bath don’t forget to dry your feet and toes thoroughly.
For management of your athlete’s foot, call Healthy Step Podiatry today or book an appointment online.