If your feet are itching and burning, it’s possible that you have athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moist, warm environments like your shoes and socks. While it’s common in athletes, hence the name, anyone can fall victim. You may also see athlete’s foot referred to as tines pedis or ringworm of the foot. It starts between the toes but can spread to the rest of the foot and even other parts of the body. If you suspect athlete’s foot, what is the best way to treat it and should you see a dermatologist near Nashville?
How Do You Get Athlete’s Foot?
The name can be a bit misleading as anyone can get athlete’s foot. If you spend time walking on locker room floors, gym showers, or wearing tight, sweaty socks and shoes, you may be at risk. Athlete’s foot can spread through contaminated surfaces like gym or locker room floors, damp bathmats or towels, and through direct contact. This condition is also common in the senior population. As mobility decreases with age and you have trouble reaching your feet, you may find that it’s more challenging to keep your feet dry and clean.
How Do I Know If I Have Athlete’s Foot?
Common symptoms include itching, burning, and stinging between your toes and on the soles of your feet. You may notice redness and scaling of the skin, cracks and blisters, and an unpleasant odor. The best way to get an accurate diagnosis is by seeing a dermatologist near Nashville.
Treatment for Athlete’s Foot
There are over the counter anti fungal medications that are effective at addressessing mild cases of athlete’s foot. However, more severe cases may require medical intervention from a dermatologist near Nashville.
If you suspect athlete’s foot, it’s essential to seek treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and worsening. While over-the-counter antifungal medications can often help clear up mild cases, severe infections may require prescription treatments. OTC treatments may be creams or ointments, spray, or powder. If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, seek treatment as soon as possible to prevent spreading or the infection becoming worse.
When Should You See a Dermatologist Near Nashville?
While at home treatments are a great place to start, you should see a dermatologist if your symptoms are persistent with at home treatment or if the infection spreads to other parts of the body.
How To Prevent Athlete’s Foot
While it’s important to know the signs of athlete’s foot and how to treat it, its even better if you can prevent it from happening all together.
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Change your socks daily
- Wear breathable footwear
- Do not share socks or shoes
- Wear shower shoes or flip flops when using communal locker rooms or showers
- Change your footwear as soon as possible if your socks or shoes get wet
- Use anti fungal powders or sprays as a preventative measure
Seek Care from a Dermatologist Near Nashville
Whether you have athlete’s foot or another skin infection, it’s always a good idea to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and recommendations for treatment options. If left untreated, fungal infections can become worse and spread to other parts of your body and potentially to other people.
Advanced Skin and Laser Center is a dermatology practice in Brentwood, TN let by Dr. John Q. Binhlam, a board certified dermatologist. We serve patients for medical and cosmetic dermatology needs in the Brentwood, Franklin, Nashville, and surrounding areas. Call our office today at 615-425-FACE to schedule your appointment.