Foot Care 2 You
Trusted Podiatrists serving West Orange, NJ, Toms River, NJ, Bloomfield, NJ & Elmwood Park, NJ
The athlete’s foot fungus causes skin inflammation, extreme itchiness, and sometimes blisters or bleeding, too. If you’re dealing with the irritating symptoms of athlete’s foot, you need more than an over-the-counter solution for lasting relief. The podiatry specialists at Foot Care 2 You in Toms River, Elmwood Park, West Orange, and Bloomfield, New Jersey, are here to treat athlete’s foot quickly so you can put the problem behind you for good. Book your appointment online or by phone today.
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Athlete’s Foot
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungus affecting your feet or toes. Although athlete’s foot is common in athletes, anyone can develop it, from young kids to adults. Athlete’s foot causes itchiness, burning, and other aggravating symptoms, along with a prominent rash.
What are the signs of athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot usually appears between your toes, often between the last two toes. It can also appear on the top, bottom, or sides of your feet. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Scaly, rough, red skin
- Stinging or burning
- Intense itching
- Skin cracks
- Fluid-filled blisters
Although athlete’s foot is usually confined to a relatively small area initially, it spreads very easily. Don’t scratch the rash, and if you touch the rash, be sure to wash your hands immediately. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the nails, causing toenail fungus.
What causes athlete’s foot?
A fungus causes athlete’s foot. The athlete’s foot fungus flourishes in humid, damp, conditions. The most common ways to get athlete’s foot include:
- Being barefoot in public areas like swimming pools or showers
- Wearing sweaty socks
- Direct skin contact with someone who’s got the fungus
If you have jock itch or ringworm, which are caused by the same fungus as athlete’s foot, you can spread the fungus to your feet with your hands, or even through a towel or bed sheets.
How does a podiatrist treat athlete’s foot?
Your podiatrist at Foot Care 2 You examines your feet, and you talk about current and past symptoms with them. Often, over-the-counter athlete’s foot treatments aren’t effective because the nonprescription creams and powders can’t actually get to the fungi in all layers of your skin.
Your Foot Care 2 You podiatrist can prescribe a stronger topical cream, or oral antifungal drugs, to destroy the athlete’s foot effectively.
Prevention tips are also part of your athlete’s foot treatment from Foot Care 2 You. Your podiatrist can recommend simple changes like changing your socks after you sweat in them, wearing flip-flops around pools or showers, and sprinkling antifungal powder in your socks.
Simply being vigilant about your foot care can make a big difference in helping you avoid athlete’s foot in the future.
For athlete’s foot treatment at a specialty foot care facility, call the location of Foot Care 2 You nearest you, or book an appointment online now.