At Foot & Ankle Specialists PC, the most common fungal skin infection we see on feet is athlete’s foot. This irritating, itchy infection usually makes skin red and scaly and occasionally even causes blisters on the foot. When the blisters break, the infection can spread. Sometimes athlete’s foot occurs simultaneously with a fungal toenail infection and the two can be recurrent and difficult to get rid of.

Our board certified foot and ankle surgeons, Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, Dr. Christine I. Tumele, and Dr. Matthew W.E. Lewin will most likely be able to diagnose athlete’s foot or tinea pedis, as it’s known in the medical world, just by looking at your foot and taking a medical history. The foot doctor will want to rule out other conditions that have symptoms similar to athlete’s foot, such as contact dermatitis and pustular psoriasis.

Treatment

Soaking feet in Epsom salts and warm water or a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water and wearing shoes that allow good air circulation are ways that you can help speed healing. The podiatrist may also prescribe an anti-fungal medication and/or an antibiotic if a secondary infection has developed.

Prevention

Athlete’s foot infections are caused by one of three fungal agents called dermatophytes. The fungus is passed by direct contact and thrives in damp, dark environments. The following precautions can help you avoid athlete’s foot:

• Always wear flip flops or shower shoes in damp public places where people go barefoot: pools, gyms, locker rooms or showers
• Never share shoes, socks or other areas that come in direct contact with someone else’s feet
• Change socks daily
• Check sanitizing procedures at your salon if you get professional pedicures. All tools and foot baths should be sterilized between customers.

If you are experiencing any unusual skin conditions on your feet, contact our Monroe or Lambertville office for an appointment.