11 Feb How Can We Treat Your Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is something that doesn’t only affect athletes, but also regular people as well. Up to 70 percent of people, at some point in their life, will get some type of athlete’s foot. At Cherrywood Foot Care, our podiatrist in Bellmore, Merrick, East Meadow, and Wantagh can give you the help you need for your athlete’s foot.
Causes of Athlete’s Foot
The perfect breeding ground for athlete’s foot are areas that are warm, damp, and humid. These areas include:
- Swimming pools
- Locker rooms
- Showers
If you are walking around these areas barefoot, there’s a higher risk you will pick up this fungal infection.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
If you are unsure whether or not you have athlete’s foot, the signs you want to look out for are:
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- Dry-looking skin
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- Itching and burning between the toes, which may increase as the infection spreads to other parts of the feet
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- Scaling or peeling skin
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- Inflammation or swelling
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- Blisters, which often lead to cracking or peeling skin to the feet and toes. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, which may cause swelling.
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- Raw skin on the feet
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- Discolored, thick, and crumbly toenails
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- Toenails that pull away from the nail bed
If you have three or more of these symptoms, you should seek out our podiatrist in Bellmore for help.
Treatment of Athlete’s Foot
If you are suffering from Athlete’s Foot, rest assured the cure is most likely going to be simple and easy. Before you go off and purchase this item talk it over with your podiatrist in Bellmore to see if this what they recommend. If it isn’t a serious infection your podiatrist will recommend an over the counter antifungal ointment. If this does not work than a prescribed antifungal ointment will be recommended.
Prevention of Athlete’s Foot
There are quite a number of ways to prevent athlete’s foot. Some simple precautions you could take include:
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- Washing your feet with soap and water every day and drying them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
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- Putting antifungal powder on your feet every day.
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- Not sharing socks, shoes, or towels with others.
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- Wearing sandals in public showers, around public swimming pools, and in other public places.
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- Immediately washing your towels and socks in the hottest water possible when you first see signs of athlete’s foot.
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- Having a few pairs of shoes to alternate between from so your shoes can breath and moisture does not build up.
If you have any questions or concerns about athlete’s foot, contact our knowledgeable podiatrist in Bellmore for information.
