Athlete’s foot and other fungal infections are common and unpleasant foot conditions. Fungal infections can be a pain to treat and cause irritating symptoms like rashes, discoloration, and itchy, burning, or blistered skin.
Not everything you’ve heard about foot fungal infections is true. Podiatrist Thomas Rambacher, DPM, FACFAS, FAPWCA, located at Podiatry Hotline Foot & Ankle in Mission Viejo, California, unpacks the myths and facts behind athlete’s foot and fungal infections.
Fact: Athlete’s foot is especially common in athletic and active people. Sweating while you wear shoes creates an ideal environment for fungal infections to develop.
However, fungal infections are common, and many people develop one at some point. You don’t need to go near a gym or swimming pool to catch athlete’s foot.
Foot fungal infections are more common in men, but women can also develop them.
Fact: Good hygiene is important, but showering regularly doesn’t keep you from getting fungal infections. Clean feet can still develop fungal infections if they come into contact with the fungus that causes them.
You can help prevent fungus from growing by thoroughly drying your feet after showers or other times when they get wet. In addition, it’s important to avoid environments where you can get exposed to the fungus, like showering barefoot in communal showers.
Fact: Using public showers, locker rooms, and poolside areas barefoot can expose you to foot fungus. But it’s not the only way to get a fungal infection.
Fungal infections can also live on towels, socks, shoes, and sheets. Avoid sharing these items with others to avoid exposure to the infection.
Fact: Sometimes, athlete’s foot and other fungal infections can present this way, but it can look different in other instances. Fungal infections can also cause the skin to appear red and swollen or make your toes look white.
If you notice any unusual changes in your foot, such as skin peeling or cracking, you should have it checked by our team.
Fact: Socks can trap moisture, creating an environment where fungus can thrive. Change socks quickly after sweating in them or getting them wet to reduce your risk.
Aim to wear socks made out of synthetic materials, which wick moisture more easily, and put talcum powder in your socks and shoes if you sweat a lot. When you enter a wet communal area, such as a pool or shower, wear waterproof sandals instead of socks.
Fact: Fungal infections won’t heal without treatment. To treat fungus, and keep it away, you need to finish the entire course of treatment you’re prescribed.
Fact: For some people, especially those with a condition like diabetes, untreated fungal foot infections can lead to open sores on the feet that won’t heal and severe bacterial infections. It’s very important to get athlete’s foot and other fungal infections treated as quickly as possible.
Fungal infections can be difficult to treat, but our team’s protocol ensures they go away, and stay away, for good. Contact us to schedule treatment for athlete’s foot and foot fungal infections.
