This is a skin disease that usually starts between the toes or on the bottom of the foot. This can quickly spread to other areas of the body. Is it most commonly caused by a fungus called Trichophyton rubrum. It commonly attacks the feet, because the warm and damp environment inside your shoes will contribute to the growth of fungal organisms.

The signs of athlete’s foot are dry, scaly skin, itching, inflammation and blisters. You may have just one symptom or any combination of the ones just mentioned. Less frequently, these infections may be mimicked by a yeast infection. The doctor can help distinguish between the two types of infection.

You can help prevent infection by washing your feet daily with soap and warm water. Take time to dry your feet carefully, especially between the toes. I recommend that you pat the feet dry instead of roughly running a towel across the foot. Another thing you can do is to change your shoes on a regular basis. I routinely encourage people to buy two pairs of tennis shoes and alternate the days that you wear each pair. Allow 24 hours for the shoes to dry in between uses. You may also take an extra change of socks or hose along to allow for the foot to dry even more.

Athlete’s foot is not the only infection, fungal or otherwise, to afflict the foot. There are several skin conditions that will be noticed on the foot. These are all very good reasons to see me in the clinic for further evaluation.

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