Athlete's Foot

Precision Podiatry

Podiatrists located in Round Rock, Cedar Park, & Austin, TX

An itchy, scaly rash on the skin between your toes or soles of your feet may be athlete’s foot. The licensed foot and ankle specialists at Precision Podiatry diagnose and treat athlete’s foot at three offices conveniently located in the Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the River Place neighborhoods of Austin, Texas. If you think you have athlete’s foot, don’t hesitate to call the office today.

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Athlete's Foot Q & A

What is athlete’s foot?

Also called tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that usually begins on the skin between your toes. Fungal infections can affect any part of your body and spread to other areas, including your hand and nails. If athlete’s foot spreads to your toenails, it’s called toenail fungus.

What causes athlete’s foot?

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in dark, warm, and damp environments, such as the inside of a sweaty shoe. This fungus also exists in shared spaces, like gym locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools. The condition gets its name because athletes often have sweaty feet and use these facilities.

Athlete’s foot is contagious, so walking barefoot increases your risk of getting or spreading the fungus. Sharing shoes, towels, or linens with someone who has athlete’s foot may also spread the fungus.

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot affects the skin on your feet, causing a red, scaly, itchy rash between your toes or on the soles of your feet. The rash may cause blisters, cracking, peeling, and dry skin. Itching is often worse right after you remove your shoes and socks.

How is athlete’s foot diagnosed and treated?

Your Precision Podiatry provider may be able to diagnose athlete’s foot simply by visually examining the rash. They may also take a small skin sample or scraping for lab testing to confirm or rule out athlete’s foot.

Then, they recommend the best athlete’s foot treatment based on the severity of your condition. Mild cases of athlete’s foot may resolve with over-the-counter treatments, such as antifungal spray, powder, or cream. More severe infections may require a prescription-strength cream or prescription antifungal pills.

How can I prevent athlete’s foot?

In addition to treating your condition, your Precision Podiatry provider advises you on how to prevent future cases of athlete’s foot. Steps you can take to avoid athlete’s foot include:

Keep your feet clean and dry
Change socks regularly
Avoid walking barefoot
Don’t share shoes
Wear well-ventilated shoes and socks made of a breathable material
Wear sandals in public showers and around public pools
Treat sweaty feet with antifungal foot powder

For individualized treatment for athlete’s foot, call Precision Podiatry today.

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