Holiday Notice: Monday 28th October - - Friday 1st November 2024 inc.
Urgent appointments, please telephone:
Belfast 028 90 308724 ('Dunmurry Podiatry')
Lisburn 028 92 661912 ('Lisburn Podiatry')
Fungal Skin
Fungal Skin - (Athlete's foot)
What is Fungal Skin [Athlete's foot]
Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection of the foot.
Athlete's foot is clinically referred to as 'Tinea Pedis'.
It is more common in sportspeople who regularly use communal bathing areas.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot ?
Athlete’s foot can easily be passed from one person to another.
The fungus prefers to live in warm, moist environments and this is why symptoms will often appear first between the toes. A rash that is scaly and itchy may appear and this may become red and sore if it is left untreated. The rash may also spread to the sole of the foot, and may even become bacterially infected. Bacterial infections are commonly considered more threatening.
What should I do if I have athlete’s foot ?
If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot then you should commence appropriate treatment as early as possible.
What shouldn’t I do if I have athlete’s foot ?
If you suspect that you have athlete’s foot then you should not ignore it in the hope that it will go away without treatment.
Could there be any long term effects from athlete’s foot ?
Athlete’s foot is usually not a serious infection and can be treated quickly and easily with the correct advice and medication.
Podiatry treatment for athlete’s foot.
The podiatrist can advise on the most effective treatment for your fungal condition, as well as providing information
about how to avoid the problem returning. Following your treatment, simple steps to reduce athlete’s foot from recurring include, washing toes and feet daily & thoroughly drying between the toes (to avoid a moist home for the fungus to thrive), changing socks daily and alternating your footwear. Proper use of flip–flops when using communal wet floor areas such as; spa’s, leisure centre’s, swimming pools.