Athlete’s foot can be itchy and uncomfortable, but it’s also very treatable. Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry in Crestview & Fort Walton Beach, FL offer highly effective treatment options to bring you the relief you deserve.

Understanding Athlete’s Foot and How It’s Treated

If you’re living with the discomfort of athlete’s foot, you’re not alone. It’s a very common fungal infection that, despite its name, doesn’t just affect athletes.

Fungus live and thrive in moist, warm environments, making shoes and socks a prime target. This is especially true if the wearer sweats a lot, as athletes tend to do. However, it is also easy to pick up from the floors of your gym’s shower and similar areas. Additionally, if you wear shoes that are too tight or have an issue that causes poor circulation, like diabetes, you are more likely to have this fungal infection.

How Is It Treated?

The first step in treatment is seeking care once you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Burning, itching, or stinging of the toes or feet
• Inflammation
• Dry, cracked, or scaly skin between your toes or on the bottom of your feet
• Blisters

If these signs are present, Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel at Emerald Coast Podiatry of Crestview & Fort Walton Beach, FL can examine your feet to provide a proper diagnosis. From there, a treatment plan can be developed that may include any or a combination of the following.

• Prescription topical medication: In some cases, prescription antifungals are enough to treat the problem. Most often, these will need to be applied two times a day for two weeks to a month.
• Prescription oral medication: Oral medication can also be prescribed and will typically treat the infection within two weeks.

No matter what treatment is used, the infection will return if the habits that led to it aren’t addressed. Adjustments may include any or all of the following, depending on your specific contributing factors:

• Avoid being barefoot, especially in public places.
• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Choose shoes that fit well and that are breathable.
• Always wear socks with closed-toe shoes.
• Wear breathable socks.
• If you have diabetes, be sure to visit your podiatrist regularly for foot checks.

Learn more about treating and preventing athlete’s foot with the help of Dr. Ricciardi and Dr. Patel and the team at Emerald Coast Podiatry of Crestview & Fort Walton Beach, FL. Call (850) 862-4119 for the office in Fort Walton Beach, FL, and (850) 682-6522 for the office in Crestview, FL to schedule an appointment today.