Athlete’s Foot Treatment and Advice in Malvern
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. It frequently begins between the toes but can spread to the soles, sides of the feet and toenails.
Professional advice can help you identify the likely problem, manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of the infection returning.
What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?
Symptoms may include:
- Itchy or irritated skin
- White, damp or cracked skin between the toes
- Dry, scaly or peeling skin
- Redness or inflammation
- Burning or stinging
- Small blisters
- Unpleasant odour
- Cracking that becomes sore or painful
Athlete’s foot commonly develops between the fourth and fifth toes, where moisture can easily become trapped.
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in warm, damp conditions. The infection can spread through direct contact or from contaminated surfaces and objects.
Common sources and risk factors include:
- Communal showers and changing rooms
- Swimming pool surrounds
- Shared towels
- Sweaty or damp footwear
- Wearing enclosed shoes for long periods
- Failing to dry carefully between the toes
- A previous fungal nail infection
Why Should Athlete’s Foot Be Treated?
Untreated athlete’s foot can spread across the feet or into the toenails, resulting in a fungal nail infection that may be more difficult to resolve.
Cracked or damaged skin may also make it easier for bacteria to enter, potentially causing a more serious infection.
How Is Athlete’s Foot Managed?
Many cases can be managed using an appropriate antifungal cream, gel, spray or powder combined with careful foot hygiene.
During your appointment, you may receive advice about:
- Suitable over-the-counter antifungal products
- Keeping the feet clean and dry
- Drying thoroughly between the toes
- Changing socks regularly
- Allowing shoes to dry properly
- Avoiding cross-contamination
- Treating fungal nails at the same time where necessary
More severe infections, or those involving significant inflammation, broken skin or ulceration, may require assessment by a GP or pharmacist.
Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious?
Yes. Athlete’s foot can spread directly between people or indirectly through contaminated surfaces, footwear and towels.
Avoid sharing towels or footwear, and wear suitable footwear in communal changing and showering areas.
Treatments
Professional mobile foot care treatments in Malvern, delivered in the comfort of your own home.
