Your feet are a critical component of your overall physical health, and keeping them healthy requires taking deliberate steps to prevent common foot afflictions. One such affliction that can pose a significant threat to the health of your feet is athlete’s foot. This fungal infection usually affects the skin in between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet, resulting in flaking and itching sensations. This troublesome condition is typically acquired when someone walks barefoot on wet surfaces used by other people in locker rooms, gyms, and public pools. There are a number of steps you can take to decrease your chances of developing athlete’s foot. First and foremost, you can consider wearing flip-flops or shower shoes whenever using public showers or walking on moist, public surfaces. Additionally, since athlete’s foot thrives in wet environments, you might change your socks and alternate shoes everyday to ensure that your socks and shoes are completely dry and free of any harmful bacteria. Lastly, you could consider washing your feet everyday with soap and drying them completely with a towel to keep them clean and dry. Making an appointment with a podiatrist might help you learn of other ways to prevent athlete’s foot. 

Athlete’s foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment. If you have any concerns about your feet and ankles, contact one of our podiatrists from ABC Podiatry.  Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning, and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, Athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speak to your podiatrist for a better understanding of the different causes of Athlete’s foot, as well as help in determining which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Columbus, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.