Summertime should be a period of fun and family and friends. We envision ourselves sitting poolside, or dipping our toes in the warm waters of the Gulf. What nobody wants to think about is having to hide their feet on those hot summer days due to redness, peeling, and obvious irritation. The fact is, though, that athlete’s foot can put quite the damper on your summertime fun.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
This fungal infection is not reserved only for athletes. In fact, anyone whose feet are stifled inside hot, moist shoes all day long, or who happens to go barefoot in the wrong public shower, or who is unfortunate enough to use a towel on which the tinea fungus is present, could get athlete’s foot. This frustrating problem starts in the keratin or uppermost layer of skin. The fungus usually hides out in between the toes or on the soles of the feet.
How to know if you Have Athlete’s Foot
It’s hard to ignore the symptoms of athlete’s foot. The peeling, cracking, itching, and uncomfortable blisters that eventually develop are a constant indicator that something just isn’t right. In some cases, the toenails become thick or pull away from surrounding tissue. If you experience any of these symptoms, you may apply an over-the-counter medication to the affected skin to reduce symptoms. The use of medication must be consistent to stop the continual process of infection as the keratin layer regenerates over several days.
If commercial medication does not improve symptoms of athlete’s foot, schedule a consultation with your dermatologist. Patients of our San Antonio offices receive friendly, professional care and a lot of understanding. Medical care for athlete’s foot is especially important for diabetics and for instances in which the infection has lingered for more than a few weeks.
As you make your way through summer, remember to protect your feet whenever you are in public settings, and to allow your skin ample time to dry out after a long day of play. Finally, do not hesitate to contact our La Casita or Sonterra office for a thorough skin checkup.