What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the skin. It usually causes itching, flaking or scaling, redness, and sometimes small blisters. It most often appears on the soles and between the toes.
Despite the name, you don't have to be an athlete to get it. Left alone, the fungus can spread to the toenails, making them thick, discoloured and sore — so it's worth treating early.
Common causes
Fungus loves warm, dark, damp places, and that's exactly what the inside of a shoe can be. You can also pick it up by walking barefoot in:
- Change rooms and locker rooms
- Hotel and gym showers
- Swimming pool decks and change areas
What you can do at home
Good everyday habits go a long way toward clearing it up and keeping it away:
- Keep your shoes and socks dry.
- Wash your feet every day with soap and water.
- Dry carefully afterwards, especially between the toes.
- Switch between pairs of shoes so each can dry out.
- Choose socks that pull moisture away from the skin, such as wool, acrylic or polypropylene.
- Wear sandals or shower shoes in shared wet areas.
How a podiatrist helps
If it keeps coming back or has reached your nails, we can confirm what's going on and treat it properly. Dr. Rosenfeld can:
- Take a sample to confirm it's a fungal infection
- Prescribe a cream or other medication to apply to the skin
- Prescribe anti-fungal pills when needed