Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that causes itching, burning, blisters, dry and peeling skin, and thick, discolored toenails. It can be treated with antifungal medications and clean white cotton socks. The infection is often contracted in public showers or locker rooms and can become more serious if left untreated. Symptoms may start mild but can worsen over time. It’s important to take care of your feet as soon as symptoms appear.
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common problem for many people. The most common symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching and burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet. Athlete’s foot also causes blisters, dry skin that can crack, peeling skin, and thick, discolored toenails. Athlete’s foot can be treated with a combination of careful cleaning, over-the-counter antifungal medications, and clean white cotton socks. More serious cases require the medical intervention of a podiatrist.
Athlete’s foot generally develops after the feet have been exposed to foot fungus in a gym locker room or public shower. Sometimes, the fungus is transmitted by trying on shoes on bare feet. Symptoms may be mild at first, with some noticeable, small, clear, fluid-filled blisters on the toes and soles. The skin on the heel may feel drier than normal and cracks will form that can become infected if left untreated.
The most bothersome athlete’s foot symptoms tend to be the itching and burning associated with this condition. This can become unbearable, particularly when your feet get sweaty or hot from wearing boots and trainers for long periods of time. It is recommended that your feet have a chance to breathe during treatment for athlete’s foot symptoms. Clean, white cotton socks are often helpful when treating feet for athlete’s foot.
When athlete’s foot symptoms are worse, sufferers will notice larger patches of blisters and red, itchy peeling along the sides and heel of the foot. These blisters will become hard as they dry out, and the skin often peels and cracks painfully. This is because the fungus is penetrating deeper into the delicate skin of the feet. Left untreated, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot will eventually invade the toenail bed, causing them to become thick and yellowish. Nails can painfully separate from the nail bed.
When symptoms of athlete’s foot first appear, many times people are unaware that a fungal infection has begun. Symptoms can be mild and barely noticeable until the fungus settles on the skin and toenails. As soon as any of the above symptoms of athlete’s foot start, it’s important to take care of your feet so that a more serious infection doesn’t develop.
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