Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes feed off and live in dead skin tissue.This condition can be intensely itchy and uncomfortable and lead to cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling.
Moist, waterlogged skin is especially prone to this infection but dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot is also susceptible as it has lost its natural protective oils. Constant trauma such as rubbing from sandals makes feet vulnerable to infection, as well as sharing communal areas such as pools, showers and changing rooms or anywhere where you may walk around barefooted.
If left untreated, the fungus can spread to the toe nails, causing thickening and yellowing of the nail, which is much harder to treat. Fungal infections can spread to anywhere on your skin and are highly contagious if left untreated. The scalp, hands and even your groin can become infected, especially if you use the same towel for your feet as for the rest of your body. 
How we can treat you
With effective treatment, athlete’s foot usually only lasts for a few days or weeks. Antifungal medication clears the fungi that cause the infection.
- We will file away the dead skin so that the areas for the fungus to hide in are reduced.
- We can administer and recommend creams, sprays, liquids and powders that are most effective.
- We’ll give you the best advise for preventative care in the future and how to care for your feet.
- If the fungal infection has spread to your nails, we’ll reduce the thickness and cut back the nails in preparation for treatment. An oral medication (i.e. tablets) may be prescribed to kill the fungus in nails.
Make an appointment to see us if your athletes foot condition is persisting, or if your skin is cracked and becoming inflamed. Skin splitting can allow other germs to enter leading to a more serious bacterial infection.