Athlete's Foot-What is it?

As the temperatures increase and Spring sports are keeping kids and adults more active, people start coming into the office with itchy feet that are red, irritated, scaling, and sometimes blistered. They often ask why this has happened all of the sudden. Sometimes people have had it before, but other times, it is the very first time that they have experienced this annoying problem. Tinea pedis, or athlete's foot, is a fungal infection of the skin. Fungi prefer warm, moist environments, so sweaty, hot feet are a common location for athlete's foot. Pools, locker rooms, and other warm, moist environments are prime locations to develop this condition. Athlete's foot can develop any time of year but is more common during warmer months. During the winter, snow boots, insulated socks, and even warm slippers can lead to this condition also. How is this treated? It is essential to keep the feet as dry as possible by changing socks frequently. Spraying the shoes out with lysol or antifungal sprays and rotating shoes (not wearing the same pair every day) are also helpful and preventative solutions. Antifungal medication is also essential. Over the counter options that you can buy at the store may be helpful, but often stronger prescription medicines that actually are fungicidal (kill the fungus) may be necessary. Thus, it is important to make a podiatry appointment for proper assessment and treatment. After the condition is adequately treated, over the counter antifungal sprays or powder are helpful with keeping the feet dry. Wearing shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms and around pools is also essential. Finally, as mentioned, it is essential to keep the feet dry by changing socks frequently. Dr. Bender, oakparkpodiatry.com, 708-763-0580