Athletes Foot

Does Your Foot Look Like This?

If so, you may have athlete's foot.

Don't take your athlete's foot lightly! Outbreaks generally start between the toes but can spread to the entire foot as well as across your body if not treated properly.

Athlete's foot can generally be treated with over the counter ointment but, in severe cases, a prescribed medication may be necessary to prevent the bacteria from spreading.

The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are experts in numerous approaches to treat athlete's foot. If your outbreak is causing problems, we can help get your feet back to normal.

Call one of our conveniently located offices for a free initial consultation.

Athletes foot is a common fungal infection that affects many people from all walks of life. The condition easily spreads in places like communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers.

Athletes foot usually affects the spaces between toes, but can spread to toenails and the soles and sides of the foot. It often responds well to over-the-counter treatments applied to your skin. More severe cases may require prescription medications.

Causes
The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful but others may, under certain conditions, multiply rapidly and cause infections.

Athletes foot occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in the feet (especially between the toes) or, less commonly, the hands.

Other fungal skin infections, such as ringworm or jock itch, may occur at the same time. These fungi thrive in warm, moist areas. Your risk of being infected increases if you:

Wear closed shoes, especially if they are plastic-lined
Keep your feet wet for prolonged periods of time
Sweat a lot
Develop a minor skin or nail injury

Athletes foot is highly contagious and can be passed through direct contact or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces.

Symptoms
Athletes foot can have numerous symptoms including:

Itching, stinging and burning between your toes (especially the last two toes) or on the soles of your feet
Itchy blisters
Cracking and peeling skin, especially between your toes and on the soles of your feet
Excessive dryness of the skin on the bottoms or sides of the feet
Nails that are thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed

Left untreated, the athletes foot can create an environment that invites a secondary bacterial infection. By producing an antibiotic substance, the fungus can kill off vulnerable bacteria and favor the overgrowth of heartier, resistant types. In turn, the bacteria release substances that can cause tissue breakdown leading to soggy skin and painful eroded areas between the toes.

Athletes foot can lead to proteins entering your bloodstream, potentially causing an allergic eruption of blisters on the fingers, toes or hands (dermatophytid reaction).

Treatment
For mild conditions, your doctor may advise the appplication of a prescription or over-the-counter (non-prescription) antifungal ointment, lotion, powder or spray. Most infections respond well to these topical agents.

If the athletes foot is severe or doesn't respond to topical medicine, a prescription oral medication may be prescribed.

An oral antibiotic may be prescribed if you have an accompanying bacterial infection. Your doctor may also recommend wet dressings, steroid ointments, compresses or vinegar soaks to help clear up blisters or soggy skin.

Prevention
These tips can help you avoid athletes foot or ease the symptoms if infection occurs:

Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you're home.
Wear socks made of natural materials, such as cotton or wool, or a synthetic fiber designed to draw moisture away from your feet.
Change socks and stockings regularly. If your feet sweat a lot, change socks twice a day.
Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material like vinyl or rubber.
Alternate pairs of shoes. This allows time for your shoes to dry.
Wear waterproof sandals or shower shoes in communal showers, pools, fitness centers and other public areas.
Use an antifungal powder daily.
Don't borrow shoes as doing so increases the risk of spreading a fungal infection.

We Can Help
The podiatrists at Northwest Surgical Specialists are leaders in both conservative and surgical treatment of all foot and ankle disorders. For additional information, please contact one of our three convenient locations to arrange a consultation.

Hoffman Estates

Northwest Surgical Specialists
3100 W. Higgins Rd., Ste. 150
Hoffman Estates, IL 60169
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Foot & Ankle Care
Pain Management
Physical Therapy
Therapeutic Massage
Skin Care
Surgical Care Center

847.885.9525

Elgin

Summit Green Medical Center
431 Summit Street, Suite 102
Elgin, IL 60120
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Foot & Ankle Care
Physical Therapy

847.697.4500

Mt. Prospect

Metrodocs, S.C.
431 Lakeview Court, Suite D
Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
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Foot & Ankle Care

847.296.3040