Treatment for Athlete's Foot

Athlete's FootAthlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection. It can cause peeling, redness, burning or itching sensations and sometimes open sores or blisters on the feet. This infection is among the more common ones and can be easily picked up in areas like locker rooms, swimming pools and public showers.

If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, you will want to see a foot doctor right away for diagnosis and treatment.

The Cause of Athlete’s Foot

This infection is caused by a fungus that lives on the dead tissue of your toenails, outer skin and hair. Four separate types of fungus can cause athlete’s foot infections, but the most common is trichophyton rubrum.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Not everyone has the same symptoms of athlete’s foot, but the main ones include:

  • Peeling, scaling or cracking of the skin on the feet
  • Blisters, sores, redness and skin that appears to be worn down
  • Burning or an itching sensation

Treating Athlete’s Foot at Home

In some cases you may be able to treat your athlete’s foot condition at home. You can purchase an over-the-counter topical treatment that contains antifungal medications. This is rubbed directly onto the infected skin. However, if you have a more severe case of athlete’s foot, you may need to take an oral prescription medication.

While recovering, keep your feet clean and dry, since athlete’s foot continues to worsen in moist and warm environments.

See a Foot Specialist for Your Athlete’s Foot

While you may be able to treat athlete’s foot at home, it is best to see a foot doctor. A specialist can accurately diagnose your condition and make sure that the infection is not caused by something else you may be unaware of.

If your infection is severe, your foot specialist can prescribe an oral medication to help clear the infection from within as well as prescribe a powerful antifungal cream.

Are you suffering from symptoms similar to athlete’s foot? If you think you have athlete’s foot, schedule a consultation with a foot doctor at Comfort Stride today.

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