Athlete's Foot

About 70% of Americans experience the itchy and uncomfortable athlete’s foot rash at some point in their lives. At Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists, with three offices in Atoka, Cordova, and East Memphis, Tennessee, the largest and most established podiatry practice in the Greater Memphis area offers expert athlete’s foot diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Call the office nearest you or schedule a visit using the online booking feature today.

What is athlete’s foot?

Tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal skin infection affecting the feet. It’s one of the most common fungal infections today, alongside fungal nails, ringworm, and jock itch. 

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot flourishes in moist and warm places like locker rooms, the areas around swimming pools, and the insides of closed-toed shoes. It can easily spread when people don’t wear shoes in public places or wear damp socks. 

What are the signs of athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot causes symptoms including:

• Red rash, usually between the toes
• Itchiness
• Scaly skin
• Peeling skin
• Painful skin fissures
• Bleeding or oozing clear fluid
• Blisters
• Foul foot odor

Athlete’s foot can spread if you scratch or rub your rash. Often the rash moves from the toes to the top or sides and bottom of the feet (moccasin athlete’s foot). It may even spread to the groin area (jock itch). 

Athlete’s foot may also spread to the toenails (fungal nails), causing discolored, brittle, and ragged-looking nails.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Athlete’s foot treatment involves targeting the fungus with antifungal medication and destroying it. You may need a topical antifungal cream. Shaking an antifungal powder into your socks and shoes also helps. Sometimes athlete’s foot may require oral antifungal medication as well.

The athlete’s foot fungus can be quite tenacious, so you need to exactly follow your customized treatment plan to prevent recurring issues.

People with diabetes are particularly vulnerable to severe athlete’s foot due to weak immunity and difficulty fighting the infection, so it’s imperative to seek medical care immediately if you have diabetes and suspect athlete’s foot. 

How can I prevent athlete’s foot?

After having athlete’s foot once, you’re probably not anxious to deal with it again. Fortunately, you can take a few steps to prevent the fungus from taking hold, including: 

• Wear shoes in public areas
• Never borrow another person’s socks or shoes
• Wash and dry your feet daily
• Wear fresh socks every day
• Change your socks if they get damp or wet 
• Sprinkle antifungal powder in your shoes and socks daily

Mid-South Foot & Ankle Specialists provides effective athlete’s foot treatment throughout the Memphis area. Call the office nearest you or click on the online scheduling feature to book your appointment today.