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You don’t have to play sports to develop an itchy, burning athlete’s foot rash. At Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona, podiatrists Alex Stewart, DPM, and Antonius Su, DPM, provide diagnostic evaluations to identify the fungal infection and medications to ease the intense itching. They also recommend strategies to keep your feet healthy and prevent recurrent athlete’s foot infections. Call the Chandler, Arizona, office to schedule an athlete’s foot consultation today, or book an appointment online.
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that develops when fungi (dermatophytes) enter your feet through small cuts or other breaks in the skin.
Dermatophytes thrive in moist, warm environments like public pools and communal showers. Going barefoot in these areas can increase your risk of an athlete’s foot infection.
Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona offers diagnostic evaluations and treatment services for athlete’s foot in children and adults. The skilled podiatrists design a treatment plan to ease persistent symptoms of the fungal infection and prevent athlete’s foot from spreading.
What symptoms does athlete’s foot cause?
The hallmark symptoms of athlete’s foot are burning and itching on the soles and sides of your feet and between your toes.
Other symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- Itchy blisters
- Skin rash
- Infected toenails
- Dry, cracked skin
If athlete’s foot goes deeper into the tissues, you may experience more serious complications. You can also help spread the infection to your hands, other parts of your body, or other people if you don’t wash with soap and water after touching infected feet.
The Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona team confirms athlete’s foot during a physical exam. Your provider may also take a skin sample for further testing under a microscope to rule out other types of infections.
How is athlete's foot treated?
Over-the-counter (OTC) treatments can relieve the itching of athlete’s foot. The Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona team might recommend OTC products like:
- Powders
- Sprays
- Lotions
- Ointments
If these treatments don’t clear the infection, the podiatry team can prescribe topical or oral antifungal medications. Your provider might also prescribe medications to treat secondary infections that affect your toenails.
They also offer suggestions for reducing your risk of recurrent athlete’s foot infections. Among them are keeping your feet clean and dry, changing your socks and shoes if you sweat, and wearing lightweight footwear.
When in damp public spaces like pools, showers, or locker rooms, wear sandals to protect your feet from contaminated surfaces.
Call Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists of Arizona to schedule a diagnostic evaluation for athlete’s foot today, or book an appointment online.