Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common condition, affecting 70% of the population during their lifetime. If your feet are itching, burning, or peeling, see board-certified podiatrist Gaston Liu, DPM, at Gaston Mike Liu LLC in Commack, New York. He diagnoses and treats Athlete’s foot to ease your discomfort. Schedule an evaluation by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection affecting the feet and toes. It thrives in moist and warm environments, such as public pool decks, gyms, locker rooms, and sweaty shoes. Athlete’s foot is common among athletes.

It often begins between the toes but can spread to other parts of your feet or even your toenails over time. Athlete’s foot is contagious, but early treatment can prevent it from spreading to other parts of your body and to other people. 

What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?

The following are symptoms of athlete’s foot:

• Itchy skin
• Cracked, scaly, or peeling skin
• Rash
• Burning sensation
• Stinging or itching between your toes
• Irritation
• Redness
• Dry, flaky skin
• Blisters

Symptoms could be mild to severe. Left untreated, an athlete’s foot could spread to the nails, hands, and/or groin. 

What are the risk factors for athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot risk factors include:

• Sharing socks, towels, or shoes with other people
• Sweaty, warm feet in tight shoes
• Walking barefoot in community locker rooms, gym showers, saunas, or pools
• Weakened skin or cuts between your toes
• Not fully drying your feet after showering or bathing
• Skin-to-skin contact with an infected person

Taking precautions, such as not walking barefoot in community areas and keeping your feet as dry as possible, may lower your risk of having athlete’s foot.

How is athlete’s foot diagnosed?

Dr. Liu can diagnose athlete’s foot by reviewing your medical history and symptoms and examining your feet. He might take a small skin sample (biopsy) and send it to a lab for testing. Dr. Liu then determines the most appropriate treatment plan.

How is athlete’s foot treated?

Your individualized athlete’s foot treatment plan may consist of:

• Over-the-counter creams, powders, or sprays
• Prescription medications 
• Changing your socks regularly
• Keeping your feet clean and dry
• Treating the insides of your shoes
• Wearing breathable footwear

It’s helpful to treat athlete’s foot early, before it spreads to other areas. Doing so also reduces the risk of recurrence. 

See Dr. Liu for an evaluation if your symptoms last longer than two weeks, an infection keeps returning, your infection spreads, or your skin becomes painful or cracked.

Follow up with Gaston Mike Liu LLC to ensure your athlete’s foot treatment is effective, and call the office anytime with questions.

Schedule an athlete’s foot evaluation at Gaston Mike Liu LLC by calling the office or booking an appointment online today.