Preventing and Treating Athlete's Foot

Find out the best measures you can take to prevent athlete’s foot.

Despite its name, anyone can develop athlete’s foot even if they aren’t athletes. This fungal infection creeps into the skin where it causes a nasty, itchy red blistering rash to appear on your feet, often between the toes. Whether this is an infection you face often or you just want to know how to safeguard yourself from it, our Clinton and Waldorf, MD, podiatrists - Dr. Larry Hotchkiss and Dr. Justin Pointer - have the answers you’ve been looking for.

How do you prevent athlete’s foot?

Fungus is all around us. Of course, fungus often thrives in environments that are damp, moist, warm, and dark. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that fungus can be found growing in locker rooms and communal showers, swimming pools and the gym. This is why it’s always a good idea to wear shoes or protective sandals in public bathrooms and showers. Not doing so could lead to a pretty nasty case of athlete’s foot.

Also, if you know someone who has athlete’s foot make sure you don’t share shoes, socks, or towels with them. Fungal infections are highly contagious, which is why it’s common for this infection to easily affect an entire family. While an infection is present in your household remove all bath mats and wash them in hot water. Keep all bath mats off the bathroom floor until the infection has fully cleared.

How do you treat athlete’s foot?

If you are a healthy individual then you may easily be able to treat this infection from the comfort of your own home. After all, there are over-the-counter anti-fungal medications available that can help treat and eliminate your fungal infection. Of course, if you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, or if you are dealing with a severe infection, then you’ll want to turn to our Waldorf and Clinton foot doctors right away for care. Also, if you find that at-home treatment isn’t reducing your symptoms or clearing the infection you’ll also want to see a doctor.

Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle in Waldorf and Clinton, MD, is dedicated to providing patients of all ages with the proper and thorough foot and ankle care they deserve. No matter whether you are dealing with athlete’s foot or you have questions about other services we offer, don’t hesitate to call our office to learn more.