Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes. The fungus usually attacks the feet because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungus growth.
The warmth and dampness of areas around swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms are also breeding grounds for fungi. Not all fungus conditions lead to Athlete’s foot, however. Other conditions, such as malfunctions of the sweat glands, reaction to dyes or adhesives in shoes, eczema, and psoriasis also may have symptoms similar to Athlete’s Foot.
Symptoms of athlete’s feet include drying skin, itching, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. Athlete’s foot may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails, and can spread to other parts of the body, including the groin and underarms.
You can prevent Athlete’s foot by:
- Avoiding walking barefoot
- Reducing perspiration by using talcum powder
- Wearing light and airy shoes
- Wearing socks that keep your feet dry, and changing them frequently if you perspire heavily
Oral antifungal drugs are most effective. Topical medications may work but are less effective. We advise our patients based on general health, severity of the condition and patient comfort.