Athlete’s Foot Treatment
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that commonly affects the skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. It can cause itching, burning, redness, and peeling of the skin. At our practice – Axis Foot & Ankle, your top podiatrist near you, we offer a comprehensive approach to treating athlete’s foot to relieve symptoms, eradicate the fungus, and prevent recurrence.
Here’s a detailed guide to the treatments we provide:
1. Diagnosis and Evaluation:
- Purpose: Confirm the presence of athlete’s foot and assess its severity.
- Description: Your podiatrist will conduct a physical examination of the affected area and may take skin scrapings for microscopic examination or fungal culture to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.
2. Topical Antifungal Medications:
- Purpose: Eliminate the fungal infection on the skin.
- Description: Over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, lotions, or sprays containing ingredients such as clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole are commonly used for mild cases. Your podiatrist may prescribe stronger topical antifungals for more severe infections.
3. Oral Antifungal Medications:
- Purpose: Treat widespread or resistant infections.
- Description: In cases where topical treatments are ineffective, oral antifungal medications (such as terbinafine or itraconazole) may be prescribed. These medications are typically taken for several weeks and require monitoring for potential side effects.
4. Antifungal Powders or Sprays:
- Purpose: Help keep the feet dry and prevent recurrence.
- Description: After the infection clears, using antifungal powders or sprays on the feet and inside shoes can help prevent reinfection by keeping the skin dry and inhospitable to fungal growth.
5. Proper Foot Hygiene:
- Purpose: Minimize fungal growth and spread.
- Description: Encourage daily washing of the feet with soap and water, especially between the toes. Drying the feet thoroughly, including between the toes, is crucial. Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others to prevent spreading the infection.
6. Footwear and Sock Recommendations:
- Purpose: Reduce moisture and fungal exposure.
- Description: Wear breathable footwear made of natural materials (such as leather or cotton) and moisture-wicking socks to keep feet dry. Rotate shoes to allow them to fully dry between wearings.
7. Treating Concurrent Infections:
- Purpose: Address secondary bacterial infections or complications.
- Description: If athlete’s foot leads to bacterial infections (such as cellulitis), your podiatrist may prescribe antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection alongside antifungal therapy.
8. Lifestyle Modifications:
- Purpose: Prevent recurrence and promote overall foot health.
- Description: Encourage maintaining good foot hygiene practices, avoiding walking barefoot in public areas (such as locker rooms or pool decks), and using sandals or shower shoes in communal areas to reduce exposure to fungus.
9. Follow-Up and Prevention:
- Purpose: Monitor healing and prevent future infections.
- Description: Follow up with your podiatrist as directed to ensure the infection resolves completely. Implement preventive measures to reduce the risk of recurrence, such as continuing to use antifungal products and maintaining good foot hygiene habits.
Why Choose Axis Foot & Ankle?
- Specialized Skills: Our podiatrists excel in the diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections such as athlete’s foot, employing advanced techniques and tailored care plans.
- Patient-Centered Approach: Your well-being and comfort are our top priorities throughout your entire treatment process.
- Holistic Care Philosophy: From the initial diagnosis through ongoing management and preventive measures, we provide thorough care to promote foot health and minimize the risk of future fungal infections.
If you are experiencing symptoms of athlete’s foot in Monmouth county, contact Axis Foot & Ankle for expert evaluation and personalized treatment. Schedule an appointment today to start your journey toward relief and recovery from athlete’s foot.