ATHLETE'S FOOT - CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

posted: Jul. 20, 2018.

What causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. It’s commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can get athlete’s foot, but certain behaviors increase your risk. Factors that increase your risk of getting athlete’s foot include:

visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools
sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person
wearing tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes
keeping your feet wet for long periods of time
having sweaty feet
having a minor skin or nail injury on your foot

What are the symptoms?

There are many possible symptoms of athlete’s foot, which include:

itching, stinging, and burning between the toes
itching, stinging, and burning on the soles of the feet
cracking and peeling skin on the feet, most commonly between the toes and on the soles
dry skin on the soles or sides of the feet
raw skin on the feet
discoloured, thick, and crumbly toenails
toenails that pull away from the nail bed

Treatment

Athlete’s foot can often be treated with topical antifungal medications. If medications don’t treat the fungal infection, your chiropodist may prescribe topical or oral prescription-strength antifungal medications. Your chiropodist may also recommend home treatments to help clear up the infection.

Brought to you by Doctor John A. Hardy, owner of Toronto's foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotics Clinic.

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care