Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection. It is a type of ringworm that is common between the toes, the top, soles, and heels of your feet. It can cause an itchy, stinging, and burning rash on the skin of one or both of your feet. This infection can make the skin become scaly, cracked, or have some blisters. It can also make your feet stinky.

You can consult a dermatologist in East New York if you have a fungal infection. Contact us at Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center.

An athlete’s foot can affect anyone. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become sweaty while using tight-fitting shoes. This condition is contagious and can spread through contaminated floors, towels, clothing, socks, or shoes.

Symptoms

Common signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot can include:

• Peeling or cracked skin between the toes
• Itchy feet, especially after taking off shoes
• Blisters
• Inflamed skin that appears reddish or grayish
• Dry and scaly skin on the soles or sides of your feet
• Discolored and crumbly toenails
• Toenails that pull away from the nail bed

Causes

Athletes’ foot develops when the tinea fungus grows on your feet. This type of fungus lives in warm and moist environments, such as damp socks, and shoes that have warm and humid conditions. Aside from sharing of socks and shoes, walking barefoot in public places can also increase your chance of contracting an athlete’s foot.

Treatments

Athlete’s foot should be treated at the first sign of itchiness. In most cases, it can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic personal hygiene. Over-the-counter anti-fungal medications are effective in clearing up the infections. Although there are types of anti-fungal that should not be given to elderly patients, children, and pregnant women. Kindly check with your doctor first before administering certain products to yourself if you belong to this group.

There are also home remedies that can help in treating and preventing an athlete’s foot. These steps can include:

• Washing your feet often
• Soaking your feet in salty and warm water, with diluted vinegar to clear up the blisters
• Dry your feet completely after washing
• Always wear clean socks
• Change shoes regularly so that your footwears are dry every time they are used
• Wash towels regularly and do not share them with anyone
• Wear loose-fitting shoes
• Make sure your feet are completely dry before wearing your footwear
• Do not share your footwear

Athlete’s foot is an unpleasant condition, it can sting or make your feet smell bad. It can also recur especially if not treated properly. Also, always remember not to scratch your affected foot as it can spread to other parts of your body, or it can get infected.

At Doral Health and Wellness Dermatology Center, we have the best dermatologists that can help you take care of your skin problems. As dermatology experts in East New York, we are dedicated in providing the best services. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 to schedule an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5690 or visit our website at https://www.bestbrooklyndermatologist.com.