Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) treatment
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. It can cause itching, soreness, peeling and cracked skin and can spread to other areas of the foot or to other people if left untreated.
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin. Despite its name, you do not need to be sporty to develop it.
How do you get it?
The fungi responsible thrive in warm, damp environments. Infection can spread through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces, particularly communal changing rooms, swimming pools, showers and floors.
Wearing shoes and socks that keep the feet warm and damp for prolonged periods can also create an environment where the fungus can thrive.
How can you identify it?
Athlete’s foot commonly causes itching, burning or soreness, particularly between the toes. The skin may become white and soggy between the toes, or dry, flaky, peeling and cracked. It can sometimes cause small fluid-filled blisters or affect the soles and sides of the feet.
How can we help?
We can assess the skin and help determine whether the changes are consistent with athlete’s foot or another skin condition.
Treatment usually involves an appropriate antifungal preparation, alongside measures to keep the feet clean and dry. We can advise you on foot hygiene, socks and footwear to help prevent the infection from returning or spreading.
It is particularly important to treat athlete’s foot promptly if you have diabetes or another condition that may increase your risk of foot complications.
If symptoms are persistent, worsening, spreading or you are unsure what is causing the changes to your skin, a podiatry assessment can help identify the problem and advise you on the next steps.