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Going barefoot is a sure sign that
summer has arrived. Many of us forget the flip flops or sandals
as we walk around the pool deck or through the locker room, but
bacteria and other fungus might be lurking on these surfaces,
waiting to stomp out your summer fun.
Athlete’s Foot
Although locker rooms are a prime place to contract athlete’s
foot, you don’t have to be an athlete to get this fungal
infection. “Because it is a fungus, it grows best in warm, moist
areas such as between your toes,”
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explains
Jean Hertel, D.P.M., a podiatrist at The Austin Diagnostic
Clinic Round Rock. “It can also spread to your toenails.” It is
contagious and can be passed by touching the affected area of a
person who has it, but more commonly it is found in shared areas
such as swimming pools and locker rooms.
“Once you have come into
contact with the fungus, it will continue to grow in the
environment of your footwear, especially if there is little air
moving around your feet,” says Dr. Hertel.
So how do you know if you have athlete’s foot? “Symptoms will
vary depending on which of three main types of infection you
have,” explains Dr. Hertel. These include toe web infection (interdigital),
which usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. Symptoms
include skin that is scaly, peeling or cracking. The second is
moccasin-type infection, which begins with minor irritation and
then progresses to thickened or cracked skin on the sole or heel
of your foot. The third type is vesicular infection, which
consists of large fluid-filled areas under the skin of the
instep, the heel, the sole, the top of the foot or between toes.
And if the fungus spreads to your toenails, they will become
discolored, brittle, thickened and flaky.
Treatment and Prevention
“Once a physician has diagnosed the infection, most cases of
athlete’s foot can be treated with a topical medication that is
put directly on the affected area,” explains Dr. Hertel. “But
more severe cases may require oral medication.” Because the
fungus can be hard to kill, it’s important to use the medication
for the amount of time recommended by your doctor. And because
athlete’s foot tends to come back even after treatment, it’s
important to keep your feet clean and dry by following these
preventive tips:
• Dry the skin between your
toes after swimming or bathing.
• Wear leather shoes or sandals that allow your feet to
breathe.
• When indoors, wear socks without shoes.
• Wear cotton socks to absorb sweat. Change your socks twice a
day.
• Use talcum or antifungal powder on your feet.
• Allow your shoes to air for at least 24 hours before you
wear them again.
Wearing shower sandals in
public pools and showers and using hot water and bleach when
washing your socks can also help to keep your feet athlete’s
foot free.
“Summertime is a great time to
enjoy the neighborhood pool and get in a good workout at the
gym,” says Dr. Hertel. “But the warm weather also provides an
opportunity to subject our feet to the environment that fungus
likes best. Take the time to care for your feet and they will
keep you moving all summer long.”
The Austin
Diagnostic Clinic (ADC) is a multi-specialty clinic with
physicians
representing 24 medical specialties at six locations. Dr. Hertel
practices at the
ADC Round Rock clinic located at 1499B Old Settlers Blvd.
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