Tips and Tricks for Relieving Athlete’s Foot
Despite its name, athlete’s foot can affect athletes and nonathletes alike. This fungal infection can be a real disrupter in your daily routine, affecting your go-to activities due to its unpleasant and uncomfortable nature. The good news is there are ways to help alleviate the symptoms and get back to everyday life.
Our aim at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center is to help our patients become more informed and aware of a variety of foot ailments, along with the proper treatment plans for each. This blog post will explore ways to alleviate athlete’s foot and gain some much-needed relief!
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
- Scaly, uncomfortable, and itchy rash.
- Found most frequently between the toes.
- Inflamed skin that may appear red or purple.
Ways to help prevent and treat athlete’s foot include:
- Maintaining proper foot hygiene: Hygiene is step one when it comes to the prevention and treatment of athlete’s foot. Daily washing with soap and water will help alleviate the symptoms and prevent a recurrence.
- Keeping your feet dry: Constricted areas that create a moist, warm environment are ideal for fungal growth that leads to fungal skin infections. Since moisture is the enemy when it comes to foot fungus, it’s essential to ensure your feet stay dry by changing damp socks promptly and thoroughly drying your feet after washing.
- Soaking your feet: Using warm water with a dash of Epsom salt and tea tree oil can provide relief from itching and help control infection. Just be sure to dry your feet thoroughly afterward!
- Choose socks and shoes wisely: It’s important to choose footwear and socks wisely when it comes to preventing foot fungus, ensuring your shoes are not too constrictive, and that both your socks and shoes are made from breathable materials.
These tips and tricks will help you take care of athlete’s foot and hit the ground running once again! However, there is always medical help if you need a deeper dive into treatments for athlete’s foot. Make an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Kenneth R. Wilhelm at Clifton Foot & Ankle Center in Fairfax County, Virginia, to chat about your specific case and help with recovery.
