In this section Cypress Foot and Ankle specialist Dr. Christopher Correa discusses fungal infections of the feet known as Athlete's feet. Athlete’s foot is fungal infection of the skin that can cause itching, burning, flaking, and blistering. The species of fungi that most often associated with these infections are T. mentagrophytes, E. floccosum, and T. rubrum. In general fungus prefers dark, damp and moist environments making shoes and socks the ideal place for them to survive and thrive. As a result, these infections typically center around the arches or interspaces between the toes. While fungus can be contracted anywhere, the most common places humans come into contact with them are locker rooms, gyms, hotels rooms, and swimming pools.
Athlete’s foot is typically treated with a prescription for an antifungal cream or solution from your doctor. Furthermore you should take measures to keep your feet dry and limit repeat exposure to the organism. This is best done by doing the following:
· After washing your feet, be sure to dry them completely. Especially between the toes and before dawning socks and shoes.
· Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row. Remove the insoles and allow them to completely dry out for 24 hours. Antifungal powders are excellent adjuncts for shoes.
· Clean showers with disinfectant after use.
· After showering, do not reuse the same towel without putting it through the laundry.
· Wash all bath mats weekly during treatment.
· Monitor other family members for similar symptoms of fungal infection.
· Avoid using lotions or creams between your toes.
· Avoid cotton socks and socks made of non-wicking materials such as nylon. Instead use acrylic, wool, Drymax, Coolmax, Under Armour, or other athletic socks designed to wick moisture away from the foot. These socks also reduce the amount your feet sweat by keeping them cool.
· If your feet sweat excessively consider changing socks midday or more if necessary and use over the counter anti perspirants such as B-Drier or Certain-Dri. Consider talking to your podiatrist about prescription antiperspirants.
It is worth noting that the fungus that causes athlete's foot is the same group of organisms that cause fungal toenails. Untreated fungal nails provide a source for recurrent athlete’s feet infections making it paramount to treat both conditions when present in addition to all shoes and surfaces where your feet may have skin contact with to prevent reinfection.
Keeping your feet dry in combination with using the proper antifungal medications will usually resolve the symptoms of athlete’s foot in 2-3 weeks. If you think you are suffering from Athletes feet give the experts at Select Foot and Ankle Specialists a call today and take the first step towards recovery!
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