If you have not seen, Royal newlyweds Prince William and Kate Middleton recently did some horseback riding in Canada. With horseback riding goes cowboy boots, which in my opinion could be the darkest moistest shoes one can wear, which can breed fungus leading to athlete’s foot. And, wearing cowboy boots in the summer, their feet are definitely sweating. Athlete’s foot is an infection that affects many people in the summer. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that grows best in warm, moist, dark places – just like the inside of your shoe! Runners and people who go to the gym a lot often get athlete’s often because they are wearing the same sweaty gym shoes all the time and walking barefoot on the locker room floor. You do not have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot, because by simply walking barefoot at the poolside, sharing shoes, or walking on your own dirty bathroom floor can cause you to contract an infection.
The signs of athlete’s foot are cracked, flaking, peeling skin between your toes. Your feet may be red, very itchy, and have an unpleasant odor. A burning sensation in your feet is also normal. If the fungal infection spreads to your toenails, your nails can become thick and turn colors. Fungal infections can last a long time, but most people have success without going to the doctor. If you have to self-treat, make sure you use your medication 1-2 weeks after the infection is over to make sure the infection does not return.
If you notice that the athlete’s foot is going nowhere after 2-4 weeks of using over the counter medication, you need to make an appointment with a podiatrist at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP, with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, New Jersey. If you have athlete’s foot for months, things can get more serious. The infection can spread to other parts of the body and it is also possible to pick up a bacterial infection too. Your podiatrist can give you a prescription for stronger medication and give you more specific information about how to prevent athlete’s foot. For instance, if sweating is your problem, your podiatrist has information about shoes and socks that allow better air circulation. If you have diabetes, your podiatrist should be the FIRST person you see if you think you have athlete’s foot. A fungal infection in a diabetic is especially dangerous. Do NOT even try to treat the problem yourself, please come in immediately!
Below are a few simple things you can do to keep your feet fungal free:
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Wear comfortable shoes that have good air circulation.
- NEVER walk barefoot in public areas, including the gym, pool, and dorms.
- Do not share shoes and socks with others.
- Change socks if they get too sweaty during the day.
- Make sure your gym/running shoes are completely dry before putting them on each time.
- Clean your own bathroom floors regularly.
Summer is the time when we all want to have fun with our family and friends. Do not let athlete’s foot ruin your plans. Even though you can buy medicine at the store, if you have concerns or question, go see your podiatrist. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
When the weather is warmer, the women run to the salon for a pedicure. This is the busiest time of year for many local nail salons. It is common to receive infections from dirty pedicure baths, and many people are always asking, “is it safe to get a pedicure?” Being a Physical Therapist at 
Athlete’s Feet are a common fungal condition that occurs on feet which are exposed to moisture and darkness. This provides a perfect environment for fungus to grow and survive. This condition is very easy to treat and it is a very common foot condition.
