Athletes are known for many things, from their incredible strength and agility to their toughness under pressure. One thing they may be better known for, though, is their feet. That’s right, we’re talking about Athlete’s Foot today! Athlete’s foot is such a common term, talked about everywhere from tv, movies, even video games reference our favorite fungal infection.
Unfortunately, though, athlete’s foot will not make you stronger, jump higher, or run faster. It will, however, light a fire under you. So, what is athlete’s foot, and what does it do? Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis as it’s formally known, is a fungal infection of the feet. Typically it begins between the toes and spreads itself via it’s telltale red, scaly rash. The rash is found typically on people’s feet who get sweaty in tight woven shoes, hence the name ‘athlete’s foot’.
Exercise isn’t the only way you can get the fungus though. Like most fungi, they are very easily transmissible from person to person. Touching someone or something that has been in contact with the tinea pedis fungi is a surprisingly easy way to contract the infection yourself. Both soft and hard surfaces are susceptible hosts for the fungus to lay in wait for its next host.
How can you know that you are hosting this fungal infection yourself? The most common symptom is the burning or stinging sensation and a red scaly rash in infected areas. This may also be paired with itchy sensations, swelling, raw skin and even blisters and an ironic dryness in the infected areas. Overall athlete’s foot is an uncomfortable infection and very preventable and treatable.
Getting rid of athlete’s foot isn’t as easy as contracting it to begin with, but it is a pretty simple affair. Applying an antifungal cream or powder to your feet is a quick way to stop the infection. Be sure to air out your feet, keep them dry, and keep your shoes dry and sprinkled with anti-fungal powder as well. Remember that athlete’s foot spreads on surfaces it touches, including surfaces you touch with unwashed hands after handling your infected feet. Take care to wash your hands and anything that comes in contact with the fungus to stop the spread.
Resolving athletes foot infections is usually easy, and typically resolvable at home. One thing to consider is that there are many infections and issues that can present themselves as athlete’s foot at the start. Things like atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, even psoriasis and eczema can appear similar to athlete’s foot. If the infection isn’t going away within a week, Pueblo Ankle and Foot Care suggests you make an appointment to be checked by one of our amazing doctors to sooth your burning feet!
By Devin Klemm
By Devin Klemm
