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itchy feet? here's how to tell if you have athlete's foot
2 minute read
the fungal infection typically occurs in people who are prone to sweaty feet. getty
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athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the feet that causes itching, burning or scaling, usually on the soles or between the toes. the condition typically occurs in people who are prone to sweaty feet while wearing tight-fitting shoes as the fungus responsible thrives in areas of excessive moisture and limited airflow.
according to the canadian foot clinic, athlete’s foot increases in prevalence as people age and is more common in men than women. it is also contagious and can spread through contaminated floors, towels or clothing. the best way to prevent a diagnosis is to avoid walking barefoot in public changerooms or showers, keeping your feet dry and wearing shoes that allow air to circulate.
antifungal medications are an effective way to treat athlete’s foot but the pesky condition can take weeks to go away and often returns at a later date.
what are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
signs of this skin condition can vary from person to person, according to myhealth alberta, with some people experiencing severe discomfort and others barely noticing the issue. when they do appear, symptoms generally include:
- peeling, cracking and scaling of the feet, particularly between the toes
- itching and/or burning of the feet that is more pronounced once shoes and socks are removed
- redness or blisters on feet
how is athlete’s foot diagnosed?
a doctor can usually make a diagnosis just by looking at your feet, but they will probably ask questions about previous fungal infections and may take a skin sample to confirm diagnosis and rule out similar conditions.
how to treat athlete’s foot
although it depends on the severity of the condition, athlete’s foot is typically treated with over-the-counter fungal lotions, creams or sprays that can be applied at home. if those don’t work, doctors may prescribe more powerful prescription creams or pills to treat more severe cases.
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preventing athlete’s foot
there are also a number of things you can do at home to help ease symptoms and accelerate recovery, including:
- avoiding scratching any itchy areas
- wearing shoes or sandals that allow your feet to breathe
- airing shoes out for 24 hours before using them again, alternating shoes (if possible) and resisting the urge to wear someone else’s shoes
- wearing shower sandals around public pools and showers
- thoroughly drying your feet, including between the toes, after coming out of a pool or shower
- wearing socks to absorb sweat and changing socks daily
- using antifungal sprays or powders to absorb excess moisture
- to avoid spreading the fungus and turning your athlete’s foot into a case of jock itch, be sure to towel off your groin area before your feet and put on socks before you put on underwear
how many people get athlete’s foot?
athlete’s foot is the most common skin condition caused by a fungus and studies estimate that around 15 to 25 per cent of the population may be affected at any given time. the condition is more common in men than women and becomes increasingly likely with age.
dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.
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