Is athlete's foot a pain? Here's how to treat it

The unofficial kick-off to summer begins next weekend and weather permitting we’ll all head out to the campgrounds, hiking and biking trails and into the lake or the neighbor’s backyard pool.

Woohoo! Too much fun, until your feet begin to itch, sting and burn. It happens to just about everyone, but teens and young men are most susceptible and despite its name it can affect anyone. Yup. We’re talking athlete’s foot or tinea pedis if you want to get technical.

Add to the itchy blisters, cracking and peeling skin, excessive dryness especially on the bottoms or sides of the foot and toenails that are thick, crumbly ragged, discolored or pulling away from the nail bed and, yes, it’s gross, and yes it’s most likely athlete’s foot.

Closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch, it’s caused by a group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.

These microscopic organisms normally inhabit your skin and do not cause a problem as long as your skin is clean and dry.

Athlete’s foot loves thick, tight shoes that squeeze your toes together. It really loves damp socks in those shoes creating a warm, moist area for it to thrive.

It’s contagious. The fungus will grow around damp surfaces such as pools, public showers and locker rooms. You can catch it by using someone who’s infected towel.

Since the fungus loves moisture, always dry your feet properly after swimming, showering or bathing.

Don’t touch your feet and then other parts of your body. It has no boundaries and can spread particularly to your groin and underarms.

Start treatment at the very first sign of symptoms. Don’t think it’ll clear up on its own.

Over-the-counter anti-fungal ointments, lotion, sprays and powders work extremely well. Don’t use an anti-itch cream, as it won’t cure the infection.

Untreated athlete’s foot can invite a serious secondary bacterial infection or an allergic response. Both of these conditions are too disgusting to discuss with your morning breakfast cereal.

If you’ve never had athlete’s foot before or aren’t certain you have it now, it’s a good idea to see your healthcare provider to rule out any other disorder such as dermatitis, psoriasis or erythrasma.

Typically a skin scraping checked out under the microscope can determine whether the fungus is there or not.

If the over-the-counter meds aren’t working for you, the medico will prescribe an oral or topical medication or both.

So, as we always say that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, keep your feet dry, especially between the toes. Air out your feet by walking barefoot around the house.

Wear socks made of cotton, wool socks or synthetic fiber that wicks away moisture.

Change them at least daily and never put them on damp. Wear light, well-ventilated shoes and not ones made of synthetics. Don’t wear the same pair of shoes everyday, give them time to sufficiently dry out.

Never share shoes. Never share towels. Always protect your feet in public places. Wear waterproof sandals or flip flops in public restrooms, showers or gyms.

Treat your feet by using an antifungal powder every day and if you have an episode of athlete’s foot be sure to follow the directions on your medications carefully as often you’ll be doing the treatment for a while after symptoms subside.

Kathy Hubbard is a trustee on Bonner General Hospital Foundation Board. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com, 264-4029. Primary source: www.mayoclinic.com.