At Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic, athlete’s foot is one of the most common foot conditions that we see. Easy to contract, many patients try to treat it with at-home remedies that are unsuccessful.
Athlete’s foot is simple for a chiropodist to treat with the right medications and diagnosis. There can sometimes be different causes of athlete’s foot and foot fungus, so having the right diagnosis is key for prescribing the right treatment.
Check out the most common questions we receive about athlete’s foot! Have more questions? Send us a message or give us a call!
Q: What causes athlete’s foot?
A: Athlete’s foot is usually caused by a fungal infection. A person comes into contact with a contaminated floor, such as a pool, hot tub, or locker room, and contracts the fungus. Fungal infections are promoted by warmth and moisture, so wearing wet socks or shoes for a prolonged time can help the fungus grow.
In some cases, athlete’s foot may also be caused by a bacterial infection, a contact allergy, or psoriasis. These are not the same as the fungal infection and therefore must be treated differently.
Q: Are athlete’s foot and foot fungus the same?
A: Athlete’s foot includes fungus on the feet in its definition. The type of fungus that causes athlete’s foot is the tinea (athlete’s foot is also known as tinea pedis). This same fungi also causes toenail fungus, and can impact other areas of the body, such as hands, groin, and body.
Q: Is athlete’s foot contagious?
A: Yes, it is highly contagious. The fungus is spread by stepping barefoot in an area where someone else with the fungus previously walked. Without precautions, everyone in a household may contract athlete’s foot at the same time from sharing bathroom space and walking barefoot.
If you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, ensure you wear sandals while walking to prevent other people from contracting it. Similarly, the fungus can spread to other body parts, so take care to treat it quickly, keep your hands clean, and refrain from touching the fungus.
Q: What does athlete’s foot look like?
Depending on the severity of the fungus, it can look different from patient to patient. The most common athlete’s foot symptoms are dry skin or a rash on the bottom of the foot and between the toes. The skin may frequently peel and in severe cases, there may be cracking, fissures, and itching. Sometimes, the foot can blister.
A: Some people often think they only have dry skin on their feet when it’s really athlete’s foot. Not all athlete’s foot symptoms will be present in all patients!
Q: What does athlete’s foot feel like?
A: This athlete’s foot symptom can vary from patient to patient. Some patients won’t feel any different when they have athlete’s foot. Others will experience pain and itching on the sole of the foot and between the toes.
Q: What are other types of foot rashes?
A: There are many possible causes of foot rashes that are not a fungus. A foot rash could be from something as simple as contact dermatitis or allergic reactions from socks, shoes, or creams. They could also be caused by eczema, psoriasis, yeast infections, or other bacterial infections.
These foot rashes can often exhibit the same symptoms as athlete’s foot, so it’s important to visit a chiropodist to get the proper diagnosis and treatment to alleviate or cure the foot condition.
Q: Are there any at-home treatments for athlete’s foot?
A: There are some at-home treatments that can alleviate pain and itching caused by athlete’s foot, however, a proper diagnosis of athlete’s foot is required to determine the cause to find appropriate treatments. Often, at-home remedies for athlete’s foot are ineffective and cause the fungus to spread to different body parts and other people.
It’s best to visit a chiropodist as soon as you see athlete’s foot symptoms to get it treated properly as soon as possible.
Q: What can a chiropodist do?
A: A chiropodist knows feet! A chiropodist will be able to diagnose your foot condition and tell you if you’re suffering from athlete’s foot, a bacterial infection, or another type of foot rash. They can also give you the best treatment methods for your unique condition and ensure that treatment is effective.
Without a chiropodist, you risk treating your athlete’s foot incorrectly and allowing the fungus to spread.
Q: What are athlete’s foot treatments?
A: A chiropodist can recommend a variety of athlete’s foot treatments. Usually, they will prescribe an anti-fungal medication. Many of these are available over the counter and are extremely effective in curing athlete’s foot with the proper application. They must be applied to all areas where the fungus is growing, otherwise you risk not treating it completely and the fungus will return.
In some severe cases, an oral anti-fungal may be prescribed.
Looking for Athlete’s Foot Treatment?
Book an appointment with Collective Foot and Wellness Clinic Hamilton today if you have some of the symptoms of athlete’s foot. We can diagnose your foot condition and provide the right treatment options to get it cured fast.
Contact us today to book your Hamilton chiropody appointment!