Treating and Dealing With Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. It’s common because your feet are in moist, dark, and warm shoes for most of the day. Many people get athlete’s foot from communal showers or locker rooms after walking barefoot. 

Between 3% and 15% of people have athlete’s foot at a given time. If you’re one of them, you might avoid removing your shoes in front of others. Athlete’s foot causes unpleasant symptoms like rash, oozing blisters, and discolored toenails. It can also be painful to remove your socks and shoes. 

Board-certified podiatrist Francine Rhinehart, DPM, treats athlete’s foot at her private practice in the Oak Cliff area of Dallas, Texas. If your feet are raw, itchy, or dry because of athlete’s foot, she can prescribe medication and help you prevent athlete’s foot infections in the future. 

How podiatrists treat athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot responds well to many antifungal medications, some of which are available over the counter. Dr. Rhinehart can prescribe or recommend antifungal medications in several forms, including:

• Creams
• Ointments
• Powders
• Gels
• Sprays
• Pills

Antifungal medications kill fungi to treat the infection. To ensure your antifungal medication works properly, finish the entire course of medicine. You can expect your symptoms to resolve in 1-8 weeks. Dr. Rhinehart might also recommend topical steroids for athlete’s foot symptoms. 

How to prevent athlete’s foot in the future

Athlete’s foot and other fungal infections are contagious, so be mindful while the infection is active. Not only can you spread the infection to others, but it can also spread it to other parts of your body. 

To prevent athlete’s foot, be sure to:

• Thoroughly dry your feet after washing them
• Avoid going barefoot in public areas
• Wash your socks and towels in hot water
• Clean your shoes with disinfectant
• Avoid wearing rubber or synthetic shoes 
• Apply talcum or antifungal powder to your feet 
• Don’t wear wet shoes 
• Never share socks with other people

If you have an active case of athlete’s foot, put your socks on before your underwear to avoid spreading the fungal infection to your groin. The same fungus that causes athlete’s foot causes an infection in the groin area called jock itch. 

Similarly, you can spread the fungal infection to your hands and nail beds. Be wary of scratching your feet when you have athlete’s foot or using the same towel for both your hands and feet. 

To learn more about athlete’s foot treatments and stopping the spread, call Francine Rhinehart, DPM, or book an appointment online today.