How to Clear Athlete’s Foot

Do you want to know how to clear athlete’s foot? Well, the answer may be different for everyone. After all, there are more than 40 different fungi that cause this infection, and some need different treatments than others.

At the same time, about 25% of all people will get this infection at some point in their lives. So, from prevention to home-remedies and in-office treatments, here’s how we can get rid of your foot fungus quickly in our Spring or Tomball, TX podiatry offices.

How to Clear Athlete’s Foot: UV Treatment

One way to clear up foot fungus is with ultraviolet sanitizers. When used on your shoes, they can zap infection-causing fungi and odor-creating bacteria. That way, your feet won’t smell, and your shoes won’t reinfect your feet once we clear athlete’s foot infections.

But how can you harness ultraviolet rays? For athletic shoes and leather shoes, try the StericShoe insert; it plugs into a wall socket, and comes with citrus-scent cartridges to help reduce odor. The device has received a Seal of Acceptance from the podiatry association.

Now, devices like this can help prevent infection. And so can covering your feet in public areas, or making sure to dry your feet every time you sweat or wash them. (Pay extra attention to spaces between the toes.)

But why do you get foot fungus in the first place? And how can we treat an active infection? Keep reading to find out!

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be an extremely contagious foot infection. It is commonly contracted in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools, or anywhere your feet often come into contact with other people.

How to Clear Athlete’s Foot

• Hydrate your feet by using lotion
• Exfoliate
• Buff off nails
• Use of over-the-counter anti-fungal products
• Examine your feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts develop

When to Seek Medical Treatment

While some infections will clear up with home care, you may need help clearing an athlete’s foot infection. How will you know when it’s time to come to the office? If your infection lingers past the four-week mark; clears briefly, only to return; or spreads to other parts of your body, it’s time to make an appointment with our team of podiatrists in Spring or Tomball, TX.

While UV therapy may be the solution to your infection, we may also prescribe a topical anti-fungal medication, such as Lotrimin or Lamisil. In some cases, oral anti-fungals such as Diflucan may be necessary, if your infection doesn’t respond to topicals. The prescription length will vary based on how well your athlete’s foot infection responds to treatment, but rest assured, we will get it cleared.

Athlete’s foot can cause many irritating symptoms such as dry and flaking skin, itching, and redness. Some more severe symptoms can include bleeding and cracked skin, intense itching and burning and even pain when walking. In the worst cases, athlete’s foot can cause blistering as well. Speaking to your podiatrist will give you a better understanding of the different causes of athlete’s foot, as well as helping you figure out which treatment options are best for you.

If you have any questions, please contact one of our offices in Spring and Tomball, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.

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