Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

Summer is the time to let your feet go a little freer. You might wear sandals more often or spend more time at the Aquatic Center, but it’s important to protect those feet. Athlete’s foot is a skin condition that is caused by fungus. It lurks in dark, damp, and warm places (such as the inside of your shoes or the gym locker room), and it can strike without notice. We want you to let loose, just remember to stay safe!

Athlete’s foot, unlike toenail fungus, affects the skin around the feet. This can include in between the toes and the soles of the feet. If left untreated, it can spread to other areas of the body, including the hands and the groin (jock itch).

Treatment of Athlete's Foot

Treatment of Athlete's Foot often involves topical antifungal medications that you can find in any drugstore, or a stronger, oral kind that can be prescribed. Laser treatment is another alternative. To protect yourself from catching the fungus in the first place, you can sprinkle antifungal powder inside your socks and shoes. Fungus likes places that are dark, warm, and moist. If you keep your feet clean and dry it will stop the reproduction of the fungus. Begin treatment at the first sign of Athlete’s foot—rash, itchiness, redness—and continue it for about one to two weeks after the infection has cleared up. This will help the chances that the fungus does not come back.

Preventing Athlete's Foot

It’s very important to protect your feet from Athlete's foot in the first place. Taking a few small steps to make sure your feet are protected can save you a lot of trouble in the future. For instance, remembering to wear shower shoes when you’re in a public gym or locker room is a great way to reduce your chances of contracting a foot fungus. You should also remember to wear socks made of moisture-wicking material. Fungus can grow in your shoes, so it’s important to let them air out after every use.