Your feet have been itching fiercely for the past few days and it looks like you haven’t had a pedicure in this lifetime. If you’ve been careless about where you’ve been walking, you may have athlete’s foot.
Tinea pedis, commonly known as athlete’s foot, is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet and can spread to your toenails and sometimes, your hands. This fungal infection is called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly diagnosed among athletes.
It’s not seen as a serious or incurable condition, but can sometimes be hard to treat. If it’s combined with lifestyle diseases like diabetes or a weak immune system, you should reach out to one of our doctors on Hello Doctor app.
Know the symptoms and causes so that you can treat this irritating issue as soon as possible.
Itching culprits
- Walking barefoot in public places like changing rooms at the gym, public showers and swimming pools.
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person.
- Wearing tight fitting, closed-toe shoes.
- Keeping your feet wet for a long period.
- Sweaty feet.
- Minor skin or nail injuries on your feet.
Symptoms
- Itching, stinging or burning between your toes.
- Blisters on your feet.
- Cracking and peeling skin.
- Dry skin on the soles or sides of your feet.
- Raw skin on your feet.
- Discoloured, thick and crumbly toenails.
- Toenails that pull away from your nailbeds.
Put you best foot forward
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Dry between your toes after swimming or bathing.
- Wear shoes or sandals that allow your feet to breathe.
- When indoors, wear socks without shoes.
- Wear socks to absorb sweat and change them twice a day.
- Use talcum or antifungal powder on your feet.
- Allow your shoes to air for at least 24 hours before you wear them again.
- Wear shower sandals in public pools and showers.
Ditch the itch
Athlete’s foot is usually treated with antifungal over-the-counter medication. You can speak to your pharmacist about your options. If an OTC medication doesn’t treat your fungal infection successfully, talk to your doctor to prescribe something stronger to clear up your infection.
Homecare
- Soak your feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to dry out blisters.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
Good to know
- Use tea tree oil and olive oil to soothe itchy and sore feet.
- Soaking your feet in warm salt water can heal your athlete’s foot in time if it is not severe.
- Lavender has antifungal properties. Add a few drops to water and soak your feet for relief from itchiness
References
