If you have ever struggled with athlete’s foot, you know that it can be an incredibly difficult infection to eradicate completely. Just when it seems you have it under control, it comes back full force.

Athlete’s foot is more than just the itchiness that many people believe it to be. People with athlete’s foot often suffer from burning, swelling, and stinging that persist as long as the infection is present. Skin can flake, blister, and crack, causing extreme pain and discomfort. If you are currently experiencing the symptoms of athlete’s foot, keep reading to find out how Next Step Foot & Ankle can help.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, officially known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin. Typically starting between the toes, the infection often spreads to the soles of the feet, toenails, and can even eventually spread to the groin and armpits.

The fungus that is to blame for this infection is often found in warm, damp areas commonly found around pools and locker rooms. It is attracted to the feet because shoes create the warm, moist environment in which the fungus thrives.

What are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?

Those who suffer from athlete’s foot can experience red, itchy skin coupled with inflammation, scaly skin, and even blisters. The infection can spread throughout the skin of the foot as well as the toenails, and can be spread to other warm, moist skin like the armpits or groin.

One of the most frustrating things about athlete’s foot is its utter persistence. The fungus can survive in shoes for some time, which can perpetuate the skin infection until it feels as though nothing can cure it.

What We Can Do About Your Athlete’s Foot

Treating athlete’s foot is truly a multi-faceted approach. Because of the depth at which the athlete’s foot fungus lives in the skin—especially under toenails and in the thick skin on your heels and balls of your feet—topical creams are often unable to hit the infection at its root. Dr. Silvester can prescribe a combination of topical and oral medications (as always, consult your primary physician before taking medication) to help you fight off the infection for good.

The second important part of kicking athlete’s foot to the curb is taking your foot hygiene to the next level. Swapping out your solid leather sneakers and boots for well-ventilated shoes, frequently changing your socks, and drying your feet thoroughly after you shower can help keep infection at bay.

Take a Stand Against Your Athlete’s Foot, Once and For All

Many people struggle to fight their athlete’s foot infections for much longer than they should before seeking help. The longer the infection is allowed to live in your skin, the more damage it can ultimately do to your feet.

Why live with the itching, burning, and stinging longer than you have to? Come see the team at Next Step Foot & Ankle Clinic to help you get rid of your athlete’s foot for good! Call our office at 830-569-3338 or 855-972-9512 to schedule your appointment with us today!