Itchy, red and scaly feet are all signs of Athlete’s foot. Athlete’s Foot is a fungal skin infection that generally starts between the toes and can also develop along with fungal nail infections. Please note that Athlete’s foot is not limited to athletes but can affect anyone.

Causes

Athlete's foot is caused due to a fungus that can develop due to damp socks or shoes in warm, humid conditions. Tight shoes can cause friction and a break in the skin, allowing the fungus to enter and spread.

Athlete's foot is a contagious condition. It can spread by skin contact, and from contaminated items, such as towels, footwear and floors. Left untreated, the fungus can even spread to other parts of the body.

Symptoms

Athlete's foot symptoms vary between individuals but common symptoms include –
• Peeling, cracking, flaking, scaling in the feet
• Itching
• Redness
• Blisters
• Softening and breaking down of the skin between the toes
• Secondary bacterial infections may develop if you scratch the area

Home Care

To prevent Athlete’s Foot –
• Wash your hands and feet regularly
• Dry well between the toes
• Do not put moisturizer between the toes
• Attend routine podiatry appointments for foot care and advice, especially if you have diabetes
• Choose wide toed footwear and sweat-absorbing socks
• Avoid sharing towels, mats or footwear
• Wear footwear in communal areas like near swimming pools
• If you have sweaty feet, use an antiperspirant and talcum powder
• People with high blood sugar or diabetes should remain extra vigilant about any cuts, scrapes, bruises, and any unusual signs in the toes and feet, since diabetes can cause loss of sensation and you miss any signs while they are minor

Over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments can help to kill the fungus. Such medicine is available as creams, sprays, powders and liquids. Even if symptoms disappear, it does not mean the infection is completely gone. You may have to use your medication for some more time even after your symptoms have resolved to ensure successful treatment.

If OTCs fail to help, you should see your podiatrist for proper treatment.

Podiatrist Treatment

A podiatrist can accurately diagnose the foot condition and design a treatment plan with the best options, depending on the severity of the symptoms and condition and any other medical conditions you may have. They can help you understand how to prevent infections, since Athlete’s foot can recur. It is especially important to consult a podiatrist for a skin infection, if you have –
• Diabetes
• poor circulation
• neuropathy (loss of sensation)
• psoriasis
• weakened immune system

Your podiatrist can also distinguish between fungal and bacterial infections.

If you are looking for foot ankle surgery and the best foot treatment doctor and ankle specialist in Phoenix, Arizona, call Oasis Foot and Ankle Center at 602-993-2700 right away.