Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s Foot describes a fungal skin infection that develops on the bottom of the foot and between the toes. It affects the outer layer of the foot and can get very itchy and frustrating for patients. 

Many people will experience Athlete’s Foot at some point in their lives, or even many times because it is easily spread by sharing surfaces with those affected. 

It is medically referred to as Tinea Pedis which literally translates as ‘ringworm of the foot’. It gets the name Athlete’s Foot because of its high prevalence among athletes.

If you have developed athlete’s foot, you might experience:

• Itching
• Red, scaly patches on the skin
• Dry appearance
• Stinging or burning
• Breakdown of the skin between the toes causing cracks or fissures

A fungus (called trichophyton) causes athlete’s foot, which is contracted as a result of direct contact with the fungus. When the fungus is paired with warm and damp conditions, it can quickly grow and spread over the bottom of the foot. This is why athlete’s foot is often contracted from, and thrives in showers, changing rooms and closed-in shoes.

Your toenails are also vulnerable to fungal nail infections. These are often difficult to treat, even in drier and cooler conditions.

Once you know your condition is fungal, we advise our patients to do their best to keep their feet dry, clean and away from sources of infection. We recommended:

• Thoroughly drying your feet with a towel after showering or getting wet
• Using absorbent powders if your feet sweat excessively
• Disinfecting infected shoes and socks to avoid reinfection
• Wearing absorbent socks that will help to maintain a dry environment
• Wearing open shoes where possible to let your feet air and dry

Fungus spreads very easily, so take care to avoid re-infection. Re-infection doesn’t have to come from another person — it can occur from continuing to wear your own infected shoes and socks.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and will spread if not treated quickly or if it is treated poorly, so come in and see us as soon as possible. Book an appointment with one of our highly skilled and friendly podiatrists. We want to diagnose and treat you as quickly as we can and get you back on your feet!  

Our highly skilled and friendly clinicians also offer Podiatry appointments, where we provide proactive advice on your foot and complete health so you can avoid future conditions and stay on your feet! Book a Podiatry appointment today.

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