Athlete’s Foot Specialist Questions and Answers

Our Specialists at Elite Health Center & Family Care Provide Effective Treatment Solutions for an Athlete’s Foot Infection. For More Information, call us now or Schedule an Appointment Online.

Itchy feet can be the worst, especially when it is not recommended to scratch them! If you are experiencing itchy and uncomfortable feet or toes from an athlete’s foot infection, it is highly recommended you seek appropriate treatment to suppress the temptation to itch your feet.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection caused by the same fungi as ringworm and jock itch. Athlete’s foot can occur on one or both feet, and can spread to other areas such as the nails, hands or groin if you scratch or pick at the infection. It is therefore important to resist the urge to scratch an athlete’s foot infection, despite the itch.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

While the fungus known as tinea causes every case of athlete’s foot, there are different ways that the infection can develop on your feet. You can pick up an athlete’s foot infection if your feet come into contact with something contaminated with the tinea fungus, and additionally, since fungi often grow in moist areas, athlete’s foot can also occur when your feet are subject to damp environments for prolonged periods of time.

Situations that can increase your risk of experiencing athlete’s foot include:
• Excessively sweaty feet, especially when wearing tight fitting shoes that are not breathable
• Frequently wearing damp socks without changing
• Sharing bed sheets, shoes, clothes, or towels with someone with an athlete’s foot infection
• Walking barefoot in public areas that are prone to fungal growth and spread, such as swimming pools, saunas, locker rooms, change rooms, or communal showers

What type of Doctor Treats Severe Athlete’s Foot?

Severe athlete’s foot is typically treated by a board-certified dermatologist or podiatrist. However, less severe cases of athlete’s foot can be treated by most primary care physicians. If you do need to see a board-certified dermatologist or podiatrist however, you will likely require a referral from a primary care doctor and so it is always a good idea to see your primary care physician first. They can evaluate your symptoms, provide treatment, or refer you to the appropriate specialist whenever necessary.

In general, severe cases of athlete’s foot occur with blisters, open sores, and bumps filled with pus, known as pustules. Such athlete’s foot cases often occur when the rash suffers a secondary bacterial infection. Individuals with diabetes are particularly at higher risk of experiencing a severe case of athlete’s foot. If a secondary bacterial infection occurs with athlete’s foot, antibiotic treatment in the form of a topical cream is usually required. Otherwise, anti fungal ointments are the usual treatment method for athlete’s feet.

What Does Athlete’s Foot Look like?

Athlete’s foot typically causes a scaly, red rash. This rash can appear in between your toes, on the top of your foot, on the soles of your feet, as well as the arch or ball of your foot. If you notice blisters, pustules, or open sores, you should seek prompt medical care.

Our athlete’s foot specialist at Elite Health Center & Family Care clinic can provide you with high-quality athlete’s foot treatment. If you would like to find out more about athlete’s foot and the treatment options available, or want to make an appointment, please feel free to do so through our website or by calling us. Elite Health Center & Family Care clinic is located at 515 Channing Road in Lakeland, Florida. We serve patients from Lakeland FL, Medulla FL, Highland City FL, Youmans FL, Eaton Park FL, and Winston FL.

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