All about athlete's foot

Dear Itchy Foot and “Horny-Toed”,

So much for feeling footloose and fancy free! Athlete’s foot can be frustrating (and sometimes stubborn) to treat, but take comfort knowing that many have been in your shoes — athlete’s foot is the most common type of fungal infection out there.

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot, tinea pedis, usually irritates the skin between the toes, often causing itching, burning, and stinging. Other symptoms include blisters, cracking or peeling of the skin, and excessive dryness on the foot. While the fourth and fifth toes are the most commonly affected, other parts of the foot can develop athlete’s foot as well. Although contagious, it might interest you to know that it’s not uncommon for one foot to be more susceptible to the fungus than the other.

Sometimes athlete’s foot can be easily treated with over-the-counter medication; however, going toe to toe with this fungus isn’t always easy. If self-treatment doesn’t work or if you frequently get return infections, it’s best to hot foot it over to your healthcare provider in order to find an appropriate treatment plan. S/he will most likely prescribe a cream or oral medication to combat the problem. If you notice excessive redness, swelling, drainage, fever, or if you have diabetes and suspect you have athlete’s foot, consult your provider immediately, prior to trying to treat the infection on your own.

As you’ve noticed, “Horny-Toed,” when the fungal infection of athlete's foot finds its way under the toenails (also known as onychomycosis or toenail fungus), it is next to impossible to get rid of with over-the-counter athlete's foot creams. Luckily, as you pointed out, there are prescription medications that usually do the trick in cases such as yours. Of course, there are side-effects associated with just about any medication — it's a matter of weighing the pros and cons of drug treatment versus alternative treatment, or none at all, before deciding what to do. You, too, may want to consider speaking with your health care provider about your options and the pros and cons of each. Read Toenail fungus from the Go Ask Alice! archives for more information on symptoms, prevention, and treatment of toenail fungus.

To stay one step ahead of athlete’s foot, try following the tips below:

• Protect your feet in locker rooms or public showers by wearing flip-flops or sandals.
• Keep your feet dry. Consider using anti-fungal or talcum powder if your feet or prone to sweating, dry your feet thoroughly before putting on socks or tights, and alternate footwear to make sure you’re wearing dry shoes at all times (i.e., avoid wearing yesterday’s sweat-soaked sneakers today).
• Wash your feet daily, especially between the toes.
• Change your socks, stockings, or tights regularly.

Here’s to hoping both of you will be back on your feet in no time!