Athlete’s Foot Specialist Questions and Answers

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis and ringworm of the foot, is a fungal infection that causes dry, scaly skin, tenderness and pain—often a stinging sensation. Athlete’s foot is caused by the fungus Trichophyton and is commonly found on floors and in clothing. Athlete’s foot fungus typically infects the skin when combined with a warm and moist environment, such as the inside of a shoe or the floor of a shower room. Because of this, less than one percent of people who regularly walk about barefoot are affected. However, almost three out of four people will, at some point, develop an athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot most commonly develops between the toes, where there is more moisture. It usually causes burning, stinging, redness, and itching. It can also cause flaking of the skin. Athlete’s foot is the most common type of fungal infection and although it is contagious, it can usually be treated with over-the-counter medication.

A podiatrist is the most qualified medical professional to treat a severe or advanced athlete’s foot. If symptoms continue for more than 2 weeks, it is recommended to visit a podiatrist.  The earlier it is treated, the more likely it will be resolved with conservative treatments. The podiatrists at Bay Area Foot & Ankle Associates can help you resolve your athlete’s foot, regardless of its severity. If you are not sure that you have an athlete’s foot but have dry, scaly or itchy skin on the feet, contact our office today for a professional evaluation.

The majority of athlete’s foot cases are caused by a variety of fungi that belong to a group which also cause jock itch and ringworm, called dermatophytes. The fungi thrive in closed, warm, moist environments. They feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, nails and hair. In rare cases, an athlete’s foot can be caused by non-dermatophytes, like yeast.

Athlete’s foot is mildly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on surfaces such as floors, shoes or towels.

The chance of contracting an athlete’s foot may be increased by walking barefoot. The risk of developing athlete’s foot can also depend on individual susceptibility, such as people who have impaired immune systems or diabetes.

Many individuals with athlete’s foot do not even know they have an infection because they have no symptoms at all. Many may think they simply have dry skin on the soles of their feet because it may appear very mild. Common symptoms of athlete’s foot typically include:

• Various degrees of itching
• Stinging
• Burning
• Peeling skin
• Dry skin
• Scaling
• Inflammation
• Blisters

If you or someone you love has athlete’s foot or is experiencing symptoms related to athlete’s foot, come to Bay Area Foot & Ankle Associates for a professional medical evaluation and treatment today. Our kind and compassionate professionals are experienced in treating athlete’s feet and can help restore your feet to perfect health. Call us today to book an appointment. We look forward to serving you!

We serve patients from Walnut Creek CA, Lafayette CA, Oakland CA, Alameda CA, and Danville CA.