Taking the Fight Out of Athlete’s Foot

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Athlete’s foot like the term implies is a common foot condition among athletes. But this does not excuse anyone from being infected. Good thing about athlete’s foot is that it is not as resilient as its hosts. Treatments are available and it does not cost much and some could even be conveniently found in your kitchen.

 

But before we go exploring into the different way of treating Athlete’s foot we must first learn how to identify its signs and symptoms. Below are possible signs of Athlete’s foot.

 

  • Itchy and burning sensations on the feet and between the toes

  • Dry, scaly and flaky skin areas on the foot

  • Pain due to cracked skin exposing raw tissue underneath

  • Toes become thick and discolored

 

Just because you could easily tuck your feet inside a pair of nice looking shoes doesn’t mean that it is a medical condition that you could easily sweep aside. Athlete’s foot when left untreated can lead to complications. Touching the infection makes it easier to spread. Any type of foot infection can be serious for diabetics. For any sign of foot infection consult a podiatrist.

 

Treating Athlete’s Foot

 

Anti-fungal ointments are readily available. If Athlete’s foot is treated immediately, this could be done in as little as a day or a week. But if left untreated and allowed to progress, symptoms may last for month or years. If symptoms persist for more than two week consult a podiatrist.

  • Soak the feet for 5 to 10 minutes in half a liter of warm water added with 2 teaspoons of salt

  • Tea contains tannic acid a natural astringent. Soak your feet in a tea bath for half an hour

  • Using yogurt as an ointment can help treat a fungal infection. it contains acidophilus bacteria which checks the growth of fungi

  • Add a few drops of mustard oil into the foot bath. Soak your feet for half an hour.

  • Let your feet breath. Wearing open shoes

 

Give these home remedies at least a few weeks to work. If Athlete’s Foot remains untreated, it can lead to skin cracks or open wounds that could cause more serious infections to set in. Here at The Texas Foot Specialists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum provide expert and specialized care to address all of your foot and ankle needs. From conservative to advanced surgical treatments, you can always count on us for quality and compassionate care. Contact us online to make an appointment at one of our conveniently located offices in Sugar Land, Pasadena or Houston.