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Winter Haven, Lakeland, Davenport, Bartow, FL, United States
We offer the latest technology in diagnostic studies, our office is the only one in Polk County to offer PSSD testing for peripheral nerve problems.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Staying Ahead of Athlete’s Foot


Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the foot that can cause burning and itching, and may lead to cracks in the skin, scaling of the skin, or blisters.  It is most commonly caused by the fungus trychophyton rubrum, a ubiquitous species that thrives in warm, moist environments.  This can often include a shoe, pool decks, and locker rooms.


Symptoms of athlete’s foot are a burning sensation and itching on the bottom of the foot or in-between the toes.  The skin may become red and inflamed.  Blisters can form on an area that is affected, and these blisters may ooze a clear liquid. 

Most commonly, tinea pedis is treated with anti-fungal topical creams that are applied to the feet.  These creams may or may not contain a mild steroid that can help reduce the inflammation associated with the 
fungal infection.  However, the steroid may not always be necessary, as the anti-fungal cream combats the fungus, which in turn will reduce inflammation. 

The greatest form of treatment for athlete’s foot is through prevention.  Since the organism that causes the infection is so common in moist and wet environments, using proper socks is key.  Socks should be made of cotton or of a moisture-wicking fabric, and a clean pair should be worn daily.  In fact, changing socks through the day can help keep feet dry, particularly for people whose feet have a tendency to sweat a lot.

Feet should be washed daily with soap and water, from the heel to the toes and in-between the toes as well.  Use of a soap that contains tea tree oil, a natural anti-fungal, can help prevent fungal infection.  Be sure to dry the feet thoroughly before putting socks and shoes back on. 

Shoes may be sterilized with a variety of shoe sprays.  Many people will simply use Lysol to accomplish this.  Devices that use ultraviolet light to sterilize the shoes are also on the market, though they are relatively expensive. 

Wearing sandals or shower shoes on pool decks (particularly indoor pools) and in locker rooms can help prevent transmission of the fungus.  These areas are commonly cited as the source of fungal infections. 

If left untreated, athlete’s foot will continue to be a chronic problem, and can lead to excessive cracking or flaking of the skin.  This may create a portal for bacterial infection, as the protective skin layers can be partially or completely lost.  The fungal infection may also enter underneath the nail plate, causing a fungal infection of the toenail.  Toenail infections are notoriously difficult to cure.

A foot and ankle specialist will be able to go through some of the treatment options with you if you are experiencing pain in your feet due to fungal infections, or any other condition of the foot and ankle.


Central Florida Foot & Ankle Center, LLC 
101 6th Street N.W. 
Winter Haven, FL 33881 
Phone: 863-299-4551 

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