Tinea pedis is a fungus that infects any part of the body. When the foot is infected, it's called athlete's foot. There are several precautions to take, according to your Orlando and Oviedo, FL, foot doctors, Dr. Timothy Mason and Jason Hancock, help prevent or manage this podiatry condition.
More On Athlete's Foot:
Athlete's foot is mostly associated with athletes, but this fungus can infect anyone. The fungus thrives in dark, moist, warm environments, such as a shoe, which is why they usually attack feet.
Symptoms of athlete's foot include:
- Scaly rash
- Itching
- Stinging and burning sensation
- Raw, moist skin between toes
Foot Care in Orlando and Oviedo:
Fungus grows in moist places, like showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms, and common during warm weather.
There are several preventative measures to take:
- You should wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when near pools, in gyms, or public showers and locker room areas.
- Keep your feet clean and dry. The fungus thrives when your feet are wet and when you're wearing tight-fitted shoes. This is especially a problem when it's hot outside and your feet sweat profusely.
- Don't walk around barefoot in hotel rooms since foot fungus may be on the floor.
- Change your socks when they get wet, instead of waiting for them to dry while on your feet.
- Make sure you wash your feet every day with soap and water, then completely dry them.
- Don't wear the same shoes every day. Give your shoes a chance to air out and dry before wearing them again.
- Don't share towels, linens, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot. It usually spreads through skin-to-skin contact and touching a contaminated surface like a blanket or doorknob.
- Avoid synthetic socks. Wearing socks made from natural fabrics, or fabrics that quickly dry and/or wick moisture to help keep your feet dry.
Athlete's foot shouldn't be a serious problem, but if it takes too long to heal, you need to speak to your foot doctor. If you have any podiatry questions or concerns about athlete's foot, call your Orlando and Oviedo, FL, foot doctor at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Orlando today!