Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that usually affects the skin between the toes, and it is especially common during the summer months. The fungi that cause Athlete’s foot are also responsible for infections such as ringworm, and it is commonly spread in warm, damp environments, including public swimming pools and changing rooms. It can be spread via indirect contact, on surfaces such as floors, as well as directly via skin-to-skin contact, which makes it harder to eliminate.
In the summertime, you are more likely to develop Athlete’s foot because the warm, sweaty conditions that arise at this time are more likely to enable it to spread. Many more people go swimming in the summer, and the combination of wet feet and communal changing areas increases the risk significantly. While Athlete’s foot is not dangerous, it can be extremely uncomfortable and itchy, and can make you feel self-conscious about your feet.
Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot
The skin affected by Athlete’s foot often appears red or scaly, and is likely to peel, flake or crack, especially in between the toes. It can cause intense discomfort, including itching or stinging, and can lead to painful blisters and very sore skin if untreated.
If it is not treated promptly, an Athlete’s foot infection can spread to the toenails and cause a fungal nail infection. This can cause the nail to thicken, or to become discoloured or brittle, and can be difficult to treat. Good foot hygiene is essential to treat and prevent any kind of infection, and we will explore treatment options below.
Treatment for Athlete’s Foot
There are several treatment options for Athlete’s foot, including:
- Over-the-counter antifungal treatments. There are many antifungal treatment options which must usually be applied for several weeks, even when the infection appears to have cleared up quickly. These include creams and sprays that are applied to the affected area and the surrounding skin.
- Foot powders. You may wish to try an antifungal powder, which dries the moisture on your feet and helps to treat a fungal foot infection. Some of these powders are applied directly to the feet, while some are designed to be applied inside the shoes.
- Prescribed medication. If your Athlete’s foot infection is persistent or severe, you may find that you need a stronger antifungal medication, which may be taken orally or prescribed as a topical cream. If you are concerned, you can see your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
- Mild antifungals for use at home. You may find that you can treat Athlete’s foot successfully at home, especially in the early stages of an infection. Antifungal foot baths containing apple cider vinegar may be helpful, although you should take care to dilute this correctly and seek medical advice if the condition persists.
If you are trying to treat your fungal infection at home or with an over-the-counter treatment, you should monitor it carefully and seek medical advice if you are not seeing a significant improvement within two to four weeks. If you have diabetes, you should seek advice from your medical team as foot infections can lead to serious complications.
Athlete’s Foot Prevention: Top Tips
Of course, prevention is better than cure, and there are many ways to take care of your feet to prevent the development of Athlete’s foot and other conditions. We recommend:
- Personal hygiene. You should always wash and dry your feet carefully, taking particular care of the skin between the toes. This area of the foot is especially delicate and can be tricky to dry properly, so it is more susceptible to infections such as Athlete’s foot. Take extra care after swimming or soaking in the bath when the skin is likely to be soft and damp.
- Keep your nails short. You should trim your toenails regularly, ensuring that you cut them straight across to prevent ingrown toenails. If the nails are kept short and neat, it will help to prevent a fungal infection from spreading from the foot to the toenails.
- Changing your socks. You should change and wash your socks every day, but you can change them more often if you have been exercising or if your feet sweat a lot. Cotton socks are the best option since they are breathable, and you should always ensure that your feet are dry before putting your socks on.
- Keep your footwear and towels to yourself. Sharing isn’t always caring! If you have a fungal foot infection, sharing socks, shoes or towels with others could spread the condition. It is important to ensure that you have a separate towel and that you keep your shoes and socks to yourself to prevent the spread of infection if you have Athlete’s foot.
- Choose the right footwear. Wearing shoes that are too tight or made from certain synthetic materials can make an Athlete’s foot infection worse, so you can help to prevent the condition by choosing shoes made from breathable fabrics and by alternating your footwear to allow shoes to air between wears. You may find that antifungal powder in your shoes is helpful here.
- Don’t go barefoot by the pool. If you are in a communal area such as a swimming pool or changing room, it’s a good idea to wear flip-flops to protect your feet from infection. Flip flops are not supportive enough for general wear, but they are ideal for wearing around the pool.
Having a good, daily foot care routine can help prevent foot infections, including Athlete’s foot, as well as other painful conditions such as calluses and corns. You should wash and dry your feet carefully every day and check them for any signs of damage, and then apply a moisturising cream and take the chance to give them a quick massage to improve your circulation and give your feet a treat!
Look After Your Feet at Foot Solutions In Ireland
At Foot Solutions, we know that taking care of your feet is crucial to your general health, and that healthy feet enable a healthy, active lifestyle. The key to good foot health is to establish a great foot care routine along with choosing footwear that is well suited to your feet, and we can help you to find casual and formal shoes, sandals and training shoes that will give your feet all the support they need to feel good all day.
If you are experiencing any foot pain, visit us at Foot Solutions for a free Foot Assessment, and we’ll help to identify the causes of your pain and find the best solutions for you. Our experienced team also offer gait analysis, custom orthotics and foot scans as additional services, and we will take the time to understand your lifestyle and exactly what you need from your shoes. Visit your local Foot Solutions store in Ireland for excellent shoes, and we’ll be happy to share our top tips to ensure your feet feel great all year round.
