Athlete's Foot

Kalmar Family Podiatry Our Services Athlete's Foot

Kalmar Family Podiatry

Podiatry & Podiatric Surgeons located in Huntington, NY

It’s important to always wear sandals when walking around swimming pools or locker rooms because they’re a breeding ground for fungi. If you walk around barefoot or have a sweaty and humid environment inside your shoes, you could develop athlete’s foot, a skin disease caused by fungus growing in-between your toes. The expert team of foot and ankle doctors at Kalmar Family Podiatry in Huntington, New York, have extensive experience treating athlete’s foot before it spreads to other areas of your foot. Call the office today or schedule your appointment online.

Athlete's Foot Q & A

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist, and humid environments. Despite its name, anyone with sweaty feet can develop athlete’s foot. The fungus typically appears between your toes and feeds off the keratin in your skin, nails, and hair.  

It’s important to understand if you have athlete’s foot because it’s highly contagious and spreads easily. For example, it spreads through direct contact with the infection so when you shower and dry yourself with a towel, some of your skin particles could be left on the towel and reinfect you.

You may have athlete’s foot if you have the following symptoms.

  • Itching
  • Dry skin
  • Scaly rash
  • Inflammation
  • Sores that smell bad and look red
  • Small, red blisters on the bottom of your feet

It’s important to visit the wonderful podiatry team at Kalmar Family Podiatry so they can help control your athlete’s foot and prevent it from spreading to the soles of your feet, toenails, and other parts of your body.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Athlete’s foot treatment depends on the severity of the infection. It’s important to treat athlete’s foot at the first sign of itchiness with over-the-counter antifungal products and improving your foot hygiene.

If the fungus continues despite your attempts to get rid of it or comes back, a member of the podiatry team can prescribe higher strength medication or have you take antifungal pills.

How can I prevent athlete’s foot?

Since athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that breeds in warm and humid environments, it’s important to take extra steps and prevent athlete’s foot. The team at Kalmar Family Podiatry recommend the following.

  • Wear shoes or sandals in shower areas or locker rooms
  • Wear ventilated and well-fitting shoes
  • Don’t share shoes, socks, or towels
  • Allow your shoes to air dry after using them
  • Wash and dry your feet well, including between the toes
  • Use socks that dry fast, so your feet aren’t wet
  • Use talcum powder to reduce perspiration

If your athlete’s foot is causing noticeable symptoms, make sure to contact the team at Kalmar Family Podiatry or book your appointment online today.

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