Athlete’s Foot: How to Treat and Prevent It

Are you always having itchy scales and cracks in your feet and web spaces and you do not know what to do about it anymore? Find out what this is and what you should do about it.     

Athlete’s foot is also called tinea pedis, a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It is a mild infection but may be difficult to treat sometimes. It is caused by a fungus that grows on the feet. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, and so, it is commonly found on room floors, lockers, and showers.      

What are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?     

Common symptoms you may experience with athlete’s foot include:      

Itching in your feet     

Dry skin on your soles or sides of your feet     

White patches and scales on your toes and toe webs      

Blisters on your feet     
 

What are the risk factors for Athlete’s Foot?      

You increase your risk of getting this toe infection in the presence of the following conditions     

• Keeping your foot wet for long periods.      
• Having sweaty feet.       
• Visiting wet areas barefoot, such as locker rooms, showers, swimming pools      
• Wearing tight, closed-toe shoes.      
• Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with someone with the infection.      
• Having a minor foot injury     

Treatment for Athlete’s Foot     

In about 40% of cases, athlete’s foot may resolve on its own, however, conventional treatment involves regular foot washing, followed by application of over-the-counter topical antifungals, including miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole, and butenafine.     

In addition to this conventional treatment, you may also employ strategies that discourage the growth of the fungus, such as keeping your feet dry, air-drying your shoes and not wearing a pair of shoes two days in a row, washing your socks with bleach and warm water, changing your socks frequently, and avoiding tight-fitting shoes.      

You could also use tea tree oil and other essential oils as home remedies for athlete’s foot.       

How can I Prevent Athlete’s Foot?     

• Wash your feet with soap and water every day and keep them dry.      
• Wash your socks, bedding, and towels with warm water      
• Apply antifungal powder to your feet every day.      
• Don’t share socks, shoes, or towels with others.      
• Wear sandals in public showers or swimming pools      
• Wear socks with breathable fibers, including wool and cotton.       
• Change your socks every day      
• Wear shoes made of breathable materials      
• Do not wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row, allow them to air dry before wearing them again.      

Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection of the toenails and the skin of your feet that may last for many years if one does not know what it is or how to eliminate it. Following these tips is your first step to regaining your health and living free of this toenail infection.