Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection on and around a person's toes that causes irritated, itchy skin patches. The fungus begins to form due to the sweat that occurs from wearing tight fitting shoes for a prolonged period of time. The red scaly looking rash causes discomfort and is similar in appearance to eczema.

It is important to practice proper hygiene by cleaning and changing damp socks, as well as to avoid walking barefoot through areas such as locker rooms where the fungus can spread. If your rash persists even after over-the-counter medication, schedule an appointment with us for more information on your treatment options.

Symptoms

Athlete's foot is known for first appearing between the toes, however the fungal infection can quickly spread to a person's hands, nails, and groin if left untreated. Some symptoms to look out for include:

Feet and Hands:
• Red scaly rash
• Itchy skin
• Dryness
• Blisters

Nails:
• Yellow coloring
• Dryness
• Brittle surface

Treatment

There are over-the-counter antifungal creams or prescription medications that can be applied to toes and foot as directed. Popular over-the-counter brands include clotrimazole and terbinafine. Since Athlete's Foot is contagious, always be sure to avoid sharing socks or shoes and contact your doctor immediately if symptoms appear. In addition, abstain from scratching infected itchy areas to prevent transferring the fungus to other parts of the body.