Here’s how an Athlete’s Foot Specialist can help
Athlete’s Foot, as you all know, is a contagious fungal infection. It not only affects the foot but can also spread to other areas like the hands and toenails. Yes, there are many at-home products that can help with this condition, but still, you should get in touch with an Athlete’s Foot Specialist for proper treatment.
Here, we will be taking a look at the causes, and symptoms of this disease and also when you should get in touch with a Podologue Pediatre. So, let’s start.
Athlete’s Foot-The common causes of it
Athlete’s Foot is caused by a fungus and is contracted in damp, dark, and warm environments. However, there are some other factors too that can lead to this disease like:
- Wearing damp socks
- Wearing tight shoes
- Not drying feet and in between the toes post a shower
- Walking barefoot around a public shower, public pool, or locker room.
- Sharing bath mats, towels, or other items with a person who is suffering from a fungal infection.
Athlete’s Foot- The Symptoms of it
Toes are the first area that gets affected by Athlete’s Foot. Then, they can spread to other parts of the feet and body. The first sign of infection that a Podologue Pediatre looks for is a red, scaly rash between the toes. The most common symptoms of this disease are:
- Itching and Burning
- Dryness
- Unpleasant Odor
- Ulcers or Blisters
- Thickened Skin
- Cracking Screen
And if it’s a very severe case of Athlete’s foot, then you may observe the following symptoms:
- Drainage
- Inflammation
- Fever
When it’s time to see an Athlete’s Foot Specialist?
Have you tried over-the-counter anti-fungal products such as spray, cream, powder, or ointment, if you still find that your Athlete’s Foot has not improved after two weeks or so, then you should definitely get in touch with an Athlete’s Foot Specialist. And keep in mind that you should never leave an Athlete’s Foot untreated as it can spread to other parts of the body.
If you are suffering from a condition such as poor circulation or diabetes, then you should consult with an Athlete’s Foot Specialist at first signs of an infection. These are some of the conditions that can put you at a higher risk of developing a severe bacterial infection of the foot or leg and that can lead to further complications.
A Podologue Pediatre will examine your feet to diagnose the athlete’s foot and determine whether the infection has spread or not. Besides the examination, they will also perform a skin sample test in order to rule out other causes of infection. When at-home treatments fail, an Athlete’s Foot Specialist may prescribe an oral antifungal medication or a stronger spray, cream, powder, or ointment. When you consume a prescription medication from them, these medications can attack the fungus and prevent it from spreading. Based on your personal case and needs, the podiatrist will recommend the treatment that will fit you in the best way possible.
An athlete’s Foot typically can clear up in two or four weeks, but that obviously depends on your specific case. Remember that even after the Athlete’s Foot gets cleared up, you need to take the prescription as long as it is prescribed by the Podologue Pediatre as that would prevent re-infection. Some Prevention Tips.
Always keep in mind that Athlete’s Foot is contagious and easy to contract. However, there are several ways suggested by certified Athlete’s Foot Specialist that can prevent the development of this condition:
- Keep your feet and toes clean and dry.
- Make sure that your toenails are cut and keep them clean.
- If your feet sweat, you should check your socks more often.
- Always wear shoes that allow easy breathing of your feet.
- Don’t wear the same pair of shoes every day.
- When you observe the first signs of infection, apply an anti-fungal infection at the earliest.
- Try not to share shoes or socks with others.
If you are suffering from Athlete’s Foot, make sure that you are not spreading it to others in your household. This condition can be contracted by others if they touch or use items that you have used while you are suffering from Athlete’s Foot. Be careful as the fungus can be present on clothing or bed sheets. Make sure to wash them properly and thereby prevent others from contaminating the infection.
Final Take:
So, it goes without saying that if you are suffering from Athlete’s Foot or experience any kind of foot pain, then you should definitely speak with a Podologue Pediatre at the earliest before conditions aggravate and situations take turn for the worse.