That Itch Between Your Toes? Let's Talk.
We like to brag about a lot of things around here, but athlete's foot isn't one of them. It's common, it's annoying, and plenty of our neighbors in Brigham City deal with it at some point, whether it's from the gym, the pool, or a long day in work boots. The good news is that it's very treatable, and you don't have to live with it.
What Is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It usually starts between the toes, but it can spread to the soles and sides of the feet. The fungus thrives in warm, damp places, which is why sweaty shoes and socks are the perfect home for it.
What Causes It?
- Wearing damp socks or shoes for long stretches
- Walking barefoot in locker rooms, pool decks, and shared showers
- Sharing towels, shoes, or socks
- Feet that sweat a lot
- Skin that is already cracked or irritated
Symptoms To Look For
- Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes or on the soles
- Red, scaly, flaky, or peeling skin
- Cracks or splits in the skin, especially between the toes
- Dry, scaly skin along the bottom or sides of the foot
- Sometimes small blisters
How Do You Treat It?
Mild athlete's foot often responds to an over-the-counter antifungal cream, spray, or powder used as directed on the label, along with a few habits that make a big difference:
- Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes
- Change your socks whenever they get damp
- Alternate your shoes so they can dry out between wears
- Wear sandals or shower shoes in public locker rooms and pools
- Don't share towels or footwear
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
If it isn't getting better after a couple of weeks of treatment at home, or if it keeps coming back, it's time to have it looked at. Other skin conditions can look like athlete's foot, and the wrong treatment won't fix them. Come see us sooner if the skin is very red, swollen, painful, or draining, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems, since a small crack in the skin can turn into a bigger problem quickly.
Get More from Our Podiatry Team!
Our doctors treat every patient like a neighbor, because you probably are one. You'll get straight talk about what's going on with your feet and a plan that makes sense for your life.
Call or click to schedule your appointment TODAY! ¡Hablamos Español! We love feet, and we'd love to help yours feel better.
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This article is for general information and isn't a substitute for professional medical advice. If something's bothering you, come see our Specialists so we can take a proper look.