Treating and Dealing With Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the feet that is typically characterized by itchy, burning patches of skin between the toes that may also crack or bleed. Since untreated athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails, you must treat this problem as soon as you notice it. The athlete’s foot won’t typically clear up by itself; however, home remedies and treatments may be all you need to eliminate the fungal infection.

Treating Athlete’s Foot

If you are an otherwise healthy individual who is just dealing with an unfortunate bout of athlete’s foot, chances are pretty good that you’ll be able to treat the problem on your own. There are a variety of over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments that can be applied directly to the skin. Make sure to read and follow all instructions to ensure that the medication gets rid of the infection.

Along with properly treating your athlete’s foot, it’s also important to keep feet as dry as possible. After all, fungus thrives best in warm, damp environments. By keeping feet dry, you make it a less hospitable environment for this infection. To keep the feet in an ideal environment means wearing clean socks and shoes every day. Opt for socks with natural fibres, which are breathable and can wick away sweat. If your feet are particularly sweaty, you can also apply an antifungal powder throughout the day.

When to See a Chiropodist

If you find that cracked, painful feet are making it difficult to stand or move around, then this means it’s time to see a chiropodist for treatment. However, if the fungal infection isn’t impacting mobility, then you may be able to treat the problem on your own with over-the-counter medications.

If you notice signs of an infection such as a swollen foot, pus draining from the foot, increased redness, or open sores, it’s also important that you see a doctor right away. Antibiotics will be necessary to treat the infection.

If you are dealing with diabetes, nerve damage in your feet or other problems that impact the health of your feet, it’s even more important that you see a chiropodist right away if you notice symptoms of athlete’s foot or other problems. Do not try to treat the infection on your own, as this could lead to more serious complications.

If you are dealing with persistent or recurring athlete’s foot, it’s important that you also have a chiropodist that you can turn to for answers. While this condition may seem harmless, you mustn’t leave it untreated. A chiropodist can provide you with the treatment you need.

Our Location

5 Swan Lake Boulevard, Unit 10 Markham, Ontario L6E 0K7

Clinic Hours

Open Evenings & Weekends

Mount Joy Foot Clinic & Orthotic Centre

Monday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

9:00 am-7:30 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-1:00 pm

Saturday:

By Appointment Only

Sunday:

Closed