Athlete's Foot

Itching, stinging, burning, flaking, or redness within your feet could be signs of athlete’s foot. At Montgomery Podiatry in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, the highly trained podiatry team offers treatments to get rid of athlete’s foot, easing bothersome symptoms and preventing the infection from spreading. Call the office to learn more, or use the online booking feature today. 

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal infection that develops within your feet. The fungus thrives in moist, warm environments, so it's common among athletes who sweat a lot. Athlete’s foot often develops between your toes and feels irritating. It can worsen over time. See the experts at Montgomery Podiatry at the first sign of a problem. 

What are the symptoms of Athlete’s foot?

The hallmark symptoms of athlete's foot include:

• Burning
• Stinging
• Redness
• Itching
• Flaking
• Swelling
• Peeling skin
• Cracked skin
• Scaly skin
• Blisters

Your symptoms might be mild initially and progress to being bothersome when left untreated. It’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of athlete's foot.

What are the risk factors for contracting athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot can spread from person to person via skin-to-skin contact or walking barefoot in community areas, such as public showers, pool decks, and locker rooms. You can also get the fungus if you share personal items with other people, especially shoes, socks, and towels. Even if you’ve been treated for athlete’s foot, you can still contract it again if you’re not cautious. 

How does my podiatrist diagnose athlete’s foot?

The Montgomery Podiatry team diagnoses athlete's foot after discussing your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They examine your feet and toes and may take skin scrapings for lab analysis. 

How is Athlete's foot treated?

If the athlete's foot hasn’t responded to home remedies or over-the-counter products, your Montgomery Podiatry provider might prescribe oral medicines, creams, or ointments to eliminate the infection. It’s important to use the medications exactly as instructed and keep your feet clean and dry. Use precautions to protect yourself from contracting athlete's foot in the future. 

Don’t walk barefoot in public areas, avoid sharing socks and shoes with other people, and change out of wet socks and shoes as soon as you’re done working out.

Wear shoes or sandals when walking in communal areas, wash your feet often, and avoid wearing sweaty socks and shoes for long periods of time. Wash your socks and shoes regularly to ensure your feet stay as clean and dry as possible. 

To get rid of athlete's foot, call the Montgomery Podiatry office or schedule an appointment online today.