Putting your Best Foot Forward with Athlete’s Foot
Do you have itchy feet, especially between the toes? You just might have athlete’s foot, a fungal infection caused by dermatophytes, a common fungus that also is a contributor to other common skin infections like jock itch and ringworm. Athlete’s foot thrives in such moist, public conditions like locker rooms, public showers and gyms.
Athlete’s foot is most noticed on the soles of the feet as well as in between the toes. The skin may look a bit cracked with a dry, almost powdery appearance. It can spread to the sides of your feet as well as to the toenails. Most over the counter remedies like foot sprays and ointments do work but for the more stubborn infections, a prescription from the doctor may be in order.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
There are several different signs of athlete’s foot and you may only experience one of them or you could be unlucky enough to experience them all. For instance, you could have burning, itching or stinging on the soles of your feet as well as in between toes. You could develop blisters that itch excessively or the skin on the soles of your feet and between your toes could crack and peel.
Your toenails could become discolored and they could grow thick and ragged too. Your feet could become overly dry on the sides and soles that no lotion or dry skin treatment can cure. The toenails could even pull away from the bed of the nail or even fall off.
Causes and Risk
The dermatophytes, these little fungi, shoot up these little extensions which infect the outward most layer of the skin. In retaliation, the skin layer will end up producing more skin cells which are pushed to the surface to create a scaly, thick area. As the fungus spreads, so do the scales and infection on the skin.
Humid, warm, moist conditions are best for this type of fungus to thrive on your feet. This could be from excessive sweating due to physical activity or tight shoes. Going barefoot will spread the fungus onto various surfaces whether it is a rug, bed sheets, floor mats or shower stalls. You could essentially re-infect yourself after spreading the fungus which sloughs off the skin.
Contracting it from another person is possible especially of you share shoes, socks or even a bed. Pets can pick up the fungus on their own paws and pass it on to you. Public places like swimming pools, gyms, saunas, locker rooms and the like where warm, humid conditions are the norm and people walk barefoot are primary places to pick up the foot fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
Treatment and Prevention
For mild cases of athlete’s foot, over the counter medications are fine like anti-fungal lotions, powders, sprays or ointments. Lotrimin and Lamisil are two suggestions to look for. However, if your athlete’s foot is stubborn, your doctor may prescribe an oral anti-fungal medication like Diflucan or prescription Lamisil.
The best defense against athlete’s foot is wearing protective shoes in public places like the swimming pool or locker room. Keep your feet dry and if they sweat, change your socks and shoes and allow to air dry as necessary. As a preventative, if your feet naturally sweat, you might want to consider dusting them with an anti-fungal powder daily.
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