Athlete's Foot Specialist

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a skin disease that usually shows up between your toes. It’s caused by a fungus that attacks feet because of the warm, damp, dark environment inside your shoes. It’s the same fungus that causes jock itch and ringworm.

Places the fungus that causes athlete’s foot might lurk include communal showers, saunas, swimming pools, and locker rooms. Simple treatments are available at Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists to get rid of athlete's foot.

What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• Scaling
• Itching
• Stinging
• Burning
• Red or scaly rashes
• Dry skin
• Inflammation
• Blisters between the toes

Athlete’s foot can spread from between your toes to your toenails and even to the soles of your feet and other areas of your body. For example, it can spread to your hands or groin (jock itch).

What are the risk factors for athlete's foot?

Anybody can develop athlete’s foot, but several factors increase your risk. Examples include being a man, wearing tightfitting shoes and/or damp socks, walking barefoot in public areas, and sharing personal items with people with fungal infections.

How is athlete’s foot diagnosed?

To diagnose athlete's foot, your doctor reviews your symptoms and examines your feet. They often scrape off some skin from your feet so that it can be analyzed in a lab. Your podiatrist lets you know which treatment is the right choice for you based on the severity of your condition.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

For minor cases of athlete’s foot, your Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists specialist usually recommends over-the-counter products like antifungal creams, powders, ointments, or sprays.

For persistent athlete's foot, they offer prescription-strength oral medications or topical products that penetrate deeper into the skin layers.

How can I avoid athlete's foot?

To avoid getting athlete’s foot, don’t walk barefoot in public locker rooms or pool areas. Use powder to reduce foot perspiration, wear light and airy shoes, and change your socks regularly to keep them dry, especially if you sweat a lot. Don’t share shoes with other people.

Don’t live with the unpleasant symptoms of athlete’s foot when simple treatments are available. If you experience persistent or severe athlete’s foot, schedule an appointment with Albuquerque Associated Podiatrists by phone or online for relief.