What your podiatrists in Chicago want you to know
If you have athlete’s foot, you already know how itchy and annoying it can be. Showing off your feet can be an embarrassing experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer from athlete’s foot because there are effective remedies. Your podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, want to share the facts about athlete’s foot prevention and treatment.
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist, warm environments like public pools, showers, exercise facilities, and locker rooms. The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is to always wear shoes or flip-flops to avoid contact with the fungus. You should also keep your feet dry by changing your socks and shoes frequently to avoid exposing your feet to a sweaty environment for a long period of time.
Athlete’s foot has several identifiable signs and symptoms, including:
- Uncontrollable itching
- Red, scaly skin on your feet and toes
- Blisters, ulcers or open sores on your feet
- Itching that worsens when you take off your socks and shoes
If you experience any of these signs and symptoms and think you might have athlete’s foot, you can try some tips at home. Remember to:
- Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap
- Apply over-the-counter antifungal cream daily
- Change your socks regularly to keep your feet dry
For stubborn cases of athlete’s foot, it’s best to visit the experts, your podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists. They can prescribe topical and oral antifungal medications to stop the itch and get rid of the fungus for good.
Remember that athlete’s foot fungus can spread so never share linens, mats, socks, or other personal items with others if you have athlete’s foot. Also, try not to scratch or pick at the rash because it can infect your hands by burrowing underneath your fingernails.
You don’t have to put up with the itchy, annoying problem of athlete’s foot. Get some help and relief today by calling your podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL. You and your feet deserve to look and feel great, so call today!