It’s a running joke among athletes that they’re bound to get athlete’s foot sooner or later. There are many different ways to treat this pesky fungus, but it can be hard to find something that really works for you. Here is some advice on what you can do if your feet have been feeling like they’re on fire lately and the itchiness just won’t go away.
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What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is just a term for an infection of the skin on your feet caused by fungus. Commonly, you can get athlete’s foot from wearing shoes that don’t have enough air flow or from walking barefoot in public areas. If left untreated, it may spread to other parts of your body and become more serious.
It has been said that athlete’s foot was first named because people thought athletes were getting it from their sweaty socks! So take care of your feet with some good old-fashioned washing with soap (not antibacterial) and dry them thoroughly after every time they are exposed to water or moisture.
Causes of athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot is a common and recurring fungal infection caused by the fungus, Trichophyton rubrum. It can be contracted through contact with infected surfaces such as floors or sneakers or from other people who are already suffering from it. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments which explains why athletes foot is so prevalent among runners, swimmers and others who sweat often.
There are many ways to prevent this condition including wearing shoes that fit properly and using anti-fungal creams after being exposed to contaminated surfaces. If you have athlete’s foot symptoms of itching, redness or blisters on your feet then see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan!
Types of athlete’s foot
Interdigital
Interdigital athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically occurs between your toes where they meet at the webbing of skin between them. It can also occur on the soles of your feet and even up into your nails
Vesicular
The most common foot fungus is called vesicular athlete’s foot. The medical term for this infection is tinea pedis. This condition can be contracted from a variety of sources, including public showers and locker rooms or by sharing shoes with someone who might have it. One way to avoid getting this disease is to wear appropriate footwear in public places, shower after being out in public, and don’t share shoes with anyone else without washing them first.
Macerated
Macerated athlete’s foot is a condition that many athletes experience as a result of their excessive sweating and lack of ventilation. Sweaty feet have no place to go, so they become moist. This can lead to macerated athlete’s foot, which is when the skin breaks down because it has not been given any time to dry out. It is important for athletes who are prone to getting this type of fungus infection on their feet to take precautions such as wearing well-fitting shoes with good arch support and using powder or antifungal cream in between sports practices or games.
Macerated athlete’s foot pain while walking
Macerated athlete’s foot is a condition typically caused by the fungus tinea pedis. It is characterized by skin peeling and redness of the feet and between toes. The most common symptoms are itchiness, burning sensation, and soreness around or under the nails. This is why you may have pain while walking because of Macerated athlete’s foot.
Symptoms may be mild to severe, with macerated athlete’s foot being more severe if left untreated. Treatment options include topical antifungal creams such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin) or miconazole nitrate (Monistat), oral antihistamines for itching relief, over-the-counter moisturizing lotions for dry skin, pain relievers like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and swelling from blisters or cracks in
Tips for preventing athlete’s feet
It can be difficult to find the right balance between staying on your feet and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The following are some tips for preventing athlete’s foot that may help you stay in top shape while also protecting your feet:
- Do not wear socks with shoes or sandals. This will prevent moisture from building up inside of your footwear, which is one of the leading causes of athlete’s foot.
- Always wear footwear made out of leather or synthetic materials over cotton because these materials allow for more airflow. Cotton absorbs sweat and water, which trap bacteria that cause athlete’s foot infections.
- Wash all clothing before wearing them again after sweating or being in contact with moist surfaces such as floors or mats where people walk barefoot, like at the gym, common showers, etc.
- Keep your feet clean with soap and water
- Change out of damp footwear at least once per day
- Wash clothing after each use
Final Thoughts
Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that causes itching, burning, cracking and peeling of the feet. It is caused by an infection from fungus which thrives in warm moist environments like shoes and socks. Treatments include medication or topical agents to treat symptoms, anti-fungal therapy for chronic cases or surgery for severe cases.
Prevention starts with wearing clean dry socks daily and avoiding tight fitting shoes so air can circulate around your feet to keep them dry. If not treated you can have many problems like pain while walking so make sure to consult your doctor if you are having problems.
