Athlete’s foot, or Treating Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common condition. Some researchers believe that, at any given time, up to 25% of all people are suffering from an active infection. While athlete’s foot is rarely life-threatening, it can cause long-term discomfort and present additional complications.
You can probably treat athlete’s foot at home, without the need for any additional intervention, with some combination of the following over-the-counter products:
- Creams, including terbinafine and clotrimazole-containing agents.
- Lotions, which help moisturize infected skin and can prevent future infections.
- Sprays, which can be effective at mitigating early-stage symptoms.
However, some cases of athlete’s foot are stubborn and do not respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Since athlete’s foot is particularly and unusually contagious, a stubborn infection may require additional countermeasures.
Your podiatrist could help you cure or mitigate athlete’s foot by prescribing stronger creams, sprays, and ointments. Some patients also respond well to oral medications, which can clear up existing infections and reduce the likelihood of sudden recurrences.
The Importance of Obtaining Rapid Relief
Athlete’s foot does not usually subside without treatment and can spread to other parts of the body.
Under most circumstances, unresolved athlete’s foot only causes pain, discomfort, and inconvenience. However, people who suffer from conditions such as diabetes should never let athlete’s foot linger. People who have diabetes, for instance, are especially prone to infections like athlete’s foot. Since diabetes can cause nerve damage and restrict blood flow, athlete’s foot-related injuries may take longer to heal and result in more serious injuries.
A podiatrist could help you examine your feet to diagnose athlete’s foot, determine whether the infection has spread, and perform tests to check whether the condition has been caused or exacerbated by other medical conditions.
Even for people with diabetes, an effective, podiatrist-guided treatment could provide rapid relief, with symptoms typically subsiding within two to four weeks.
Are You Suffering From Athlete's Foot In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?
If you're suffering from athlete's foot you owe it to yourself to speak with our experienced podiatrists as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!
