Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the foot. Often associated with itching and peeling, athlete’s foot can vary from a minor annoyance to a serious problem.
Severe athlete’s foot can be the sign of a serious underlying problem.
Fungi are organisms found virtually everywhere.
When the environment is right, the fungi multiply. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and damp areas.
Treatment of fungal infections usually begins with controlling the environment in the area.
A topical medication is often prescribed. Patients are usually re-evaluated during the treatment to determine if the medication prescribed is appropriate.
In severe fungal infections, an oral antifungal medication may be prescribed.
It is important to be evaluated by a podiatrist before self-treating, which may obscure the true appearance of the condition, which can be confused with other skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis.
By Dr. Yavor Geshev, DPM, FACPM
