Athlete's Foot Specialist
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Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic
Podiatrist & Foot & Ankle Surgeon located in Lombard, IN, Michigan City, IN & Chesterton, IN
If you have itchy, burning, and raw skin between your toes, it could be athlete’s foot. This fungal infection affects up to 70% of people at some point in their lives. At Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic, patient-focused podiatrist Aamir Mahmood, DPM, uses the best evidence-based treatments to end the athlete’s foot fungus for good. There are three practice locations in Michigan City and Chesterton, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois, so call the one nearest you or click on the online appointment scheduler today.
Athlete's Foot Q & A
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a fungus that usually affects the skin between your toes. It's very uncomfortable, causing symptoms including:
- Burning
- Itching
- Stinging
- Red skin
- Scaly-looking skin
- Blisters
You can spread athlete's foot to other parts of your body when you scratch or rub the skin. It can grow on your hands and in nearly any other area that you touch after scratching.
Why did I get athlete's foot?
The athlete's foot fungus is the same one that causes jock itch. This organism blooms in warm and moist areas, which is why it usually starts between your toes.
Athlete's foot is extremely contagious, and the most common way to get it is by walking barefoot in locker rooms, shower rooms, swimming pools, and other public environments.
You can also get athlete's foot by sharing socks, shoes, or towels, or having direct contact with someone who has the infection.
Having sweaty feet, wearing damp socks, and wearing tight shoes can increase your vulnerability to athlete's foot. If you have diabetes, you’re typically more susceptible to infections of all kinds, including athlete’s foot.
How does the doctor diagnose athlete's foot?
Severe athlete's foot can look quite similar to eczema and some other skin conditions, but the treatment is very different. So it's very important to come to Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic for a specific diagnosis and targeted treatment as soon as possible.
Dr. Mahmood examines your rash and may scrape some tiny skin cell samples to examine under high magnification before confirming your diagnosis.
How do you clear up athlete’s foot infections?
Athlete's foot treatment focuses on treating the fungus, which often involves solutions such as:
- Antifungal creams or ointments
- Oral antifungal medications
- Antifungal powder
The athlete's foot fungus often comes back if you don't make some lifestyle changes, and that's why Dr. Mahmood offers personalized counseling to help you prevent a recurrence of the infection.
He may recommend changes like always wearing shoes, using an antifungal powder every day, and avoiding shoes that make your feet sweat, among other specific areas of advice.
Athlete’s foot is aggravating, so you need the very best help fighting it. Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic offers evidence-based care that can fight off the fungus permanently, so don’t wait: Call the office nearest you or book with online scheduling now.
