Athlete’s Foot

About 15% of Americans will develop an athlete’s foot infection in their lifetimes. If you’re bothered by itchiness or burning between your toes, schedule an athlete’s foot evaluation at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC. Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, and Joel Segalman, DPM, FACFAS, FACFAO, offer oral and topical medications to clear the infection. They also help you make changes to your foot hygiene practices to lower your risk of future infections. Schedule an athlete’s foot evaluation online or call the office in Newtown or Waterbury, Connecticut, today.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that often begins in the skin between your toes. The fungus that causes the infection thrives in moist environments, such as public locker rooms and pools, and enters through tiny cracks in your skin.

You may also be at increased risk for developing or spreading the infection if you frequently wear damp shoes or don’t change out of sweaty socks.

When should I seek medical treatment for athlete’s foot?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, if you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, such as:

• Itchiness
• Inflammation
• Burning sensations
• Painful blisters
• Cracked, peeling skin between your toes

Don’t delay treatment for athlete’s foot because your infection can worsen. If left untreated, you can also spread the infection to others through skin-to-skin contact or by contaminating the spaces you walk on.

The foot specialists can diagnose the fungal infection by looking at the skin of your foot. They may also need to scrape a sample of your skin for further testing under a microscope to confirm the infection.

After evaluating your condition, the providers create a care plan to clear the infection and treat your symptoms.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

While there are over-the-counter medications that can provide some relief of athlete’s foot symptoms, they may not work effectively for some people. Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, offers prescription-strength topical medications to relieve skin inflammation and itching. You might also need to take antifungal medications to clear a serious infection. 

After your skin heals, it’s important that you take precautions against another fungal infection. Never share towels or other personal items with people in a public space and always wear shoes in locker rooms or pools. 

You also need to keep your feet dry and clean and wear breathable socks and shoes. There are over-the-counter sprays and powders you can use to absorb excess sweat and prevent fungus growth.

If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, call the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, to schedule a diagnostic evaluation or book an appointment online today.