Athlete's Foot Treatment in Brigham City, Utah
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. While fungal infections can develop anywhere on the body, athlete's foot specifically affects the feet. Because locker rooms, swimming pools, and shared showers tend to harbor fungi, athletes encounter it frequently, which is how the condition got its name.
You don't have to set foot in a locker room to get it, though. Your feet are naturally vulnerable to fungal infections because they spend so much time in a warm, dark, damp environment inside your socks and shoes. Hot Utah summers and sweaty athletic shoes create ideal conditions for fungus to thrive.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Itchy skin, especially between the toes
- Burning between the toes
- Blisters on the feet
- Cracked skin
- Dry, flaky skin
- Scaly skin that peels
- Inflamed, red skin
- Swelling around the toes
Although athlete's foot is usually worst between the toes, it can spread to other parts of your feet, including your toenails and soles. If you scratch the infection and then touch skin elsewhere, you can spread the fungus to other parts of your body. Left untreated, the infection can also open the door to more serious bacterial infections, which are a particular concern for people with diabetes.
How is athlete's foot treated?
At your Brigham City appointment, your Corbridge Podiatry foot specialist performs a thorough exam to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions, then prescribes a remedy based on the severity of your case. Mild cases often respond to an over-the-counter antifungal, while more stubborn infections may require a stronger prescription antifungal ointment. For the most severe or persistent cases, your provider may prescribe an oral antifungal medication.
How can I prevent athlete's foot in the future?
A few simple foot-hygiene habits go a long way toward keeping athlete's foot from coming back:
- Wash your feet daily with soap and water, then dry them completely, especially between the toes
- Wear sandals or shoes in public areas like pools, gyms, and locker rooms
- Sprinkle antifungal powder on your feet to reduce moisture
- Never reuse dirty socks
- Change socks and shoes whenever they become damp
- Choose moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear
With these lifestyle changes and guidance from your podiatrist, you can break the cycle of recurrent athlete's foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. It spreads through direct contact and through contaminated floors, towels, socks, and shoes. Good hygiene and protective footwear in public areas reduce the risk.
Why does my athlete's foot keep coming back?
Recurrence usually comes from re-exposure or from fungus lingering in shoes. Treating your footwear, keeping feet dry, and finishing the full course of treatment all help prevent it.
When should I see a podiatrist instead of using a drugstore cream?
If the infection doesn't clear within two weeks, keeps returning, spreads to the nails, or you have diabetes or poor circulation, see one of our foot and ankle specialists for prescription-strength treatment.
Can athlete's foot lead to a nail infection?
Yes. Untreated athlete's foot can spread to the toenails and cause toenail fungus, which is harder to treat. Address skin infections early.
Related Services at Corbridge Podiatry
Toenail Fungus • Diabetic Foot Care • Warts
Schedule Your Appointment.
Call Corbridge Podiatry at 435-222-0635 or request an appointment online. 903 S Main St Suite B, Brigham City, UT 84302.