Athlete's Foot

Despite the name, athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, can affect anyone. It’s a fungal infection that often develops through the pronged wearing of tight, sweaty shoes. That environment creates perfect conditions for the fungal infection to thrive and spread. As the condition worsens, you may see symptoms like a scaly rash or dry, flaking skin, blisters, swelling, and a persistent itch between the toes. Left untreated, the skin becomes raw and sensitive to the touch, making wearing shoes and walking incredibly painful.

This infection spreads. It usually starts in between the toes, but if you continue to wear tight shoes that don’t allow sweat to evaporate, the infection can spread to your feet and even your lower legs. If you scratch it or pick at it, athlete’s foot can spread to your fingers and hands, too.

Athlete’s foot can be contracted any place that fungi thrive. Because it’s a viral/ fungal infection, it spreads rapidly to others who come into contact with the affected areas on your body or who have walked barefoot where you recently walked. Wearing flip flops or shower shoes in the locker room, at the pool, and in similar environments can prevent you from picking it up, but once you have athlete’s foot, professional treatment is the most effective way to rid yourself of the disease and preserve the skin and dermis of your feet.

Our podiatrists know that athlete’s foot can be stubborn to treat, especially for patients with a history of athlete’s foot, who have open, oozing sores, or whose infection has spread along the foot or to their hands. We perform a complete clinical exam to confirm the type of fungal infection so we can prescribe the proper antifungal medications. We may also apply steroidal topical agents or bacterial ointments. And our podiatry team provides comprehensive aftercare, including specialized foot powders and recommendations for your shoes and foot care to prevent the fungal infection from coming back.