Athletes Foot:
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that usually affects the skin between the toes, although it can also affect the soles and sides of the feet. It may cause itching, redness, flaking, peeling skin, soreness, or cracking, and can become increasingly uncomfortable if left untreated. Because athlete’s foot can sometimes look similar to other skin conditions, professional assessment can be helpful when symptoms are persistent, recurring, or not responding to over-the-counter treatment. Identifying the problem correctly is the first step towards choosing the most appropriate treatment and reducing the risk of it returning.
Why have I developed Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot tends to develop in warm, moist environments and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces such as communal changing rooms, showers, and swimming pool areas. It may also spread through towels, socks, footwear, or direct skin contact. Some people are more prone to repeated infections, especially if their feet are often enclosed in footwear for long periods or exposed to shared environments where fungal infections can spread more easily. Where symptoms keep returning, professional treatment and advice can help address the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.
How Can You Treat Athlete’s Foot?
We know how common fungal skin infections can be and how uncomfortable they may become if left untreated. In milder cases, they may cause itching, peeling, and irritation. In more persistent cases, fungal infections can contribute to wider skin problems and may also be linked to nail disease. The key to successful treatment is proper diagnosis. Helen is experienced in assessing and managing athlete’s foot, helping to ensure that the most appropriate treatment is recommended for your symptoms. I will advise the right treatment for you, help ensure good foot hygiene practices are in place to support healing, and provide practical guidance to reduce the risk of the problem returning.
Before and after images shown below.
Frequently Asked Questions about Athlete’s Foot
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the top layer of skin on the feet, commonly developing between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments like shoes and socks.
What causes athlete’s foot?
It’s caused by fungal spores that flourish in damp, enclosed areas. You can contract it from places like public showers, swimming pools, and gym changing rooms.
How do I know if I have athlete’s foot?
Typical signs include itching, peeling, and redness between the toes or on the soles and sides of your feet. In more severe cases, the ski
n may crack or blister.
Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes, very. It spreads through direct skin contact or indirectly through towels, bedding, footwear, and floors in communal areas.
Can athlete’s foot go away on its own?
It rarely resolves without treatment. Without intervention, it can lead to secondary infections or spread to the toenails.
What treatments are available
We offer expert diagnosis, prescription-strength antifungal treatments, and personalised hygiene guidance to prevent recurrence.
How can I prevent athlete’s foot from returning?
Maintaining good foot hygiene, regularly changing socks, drying between your toes, and avoiding barefoot walking in communal areas can significantly reduce the risk.