Athlete’s Foot
Say goodbye to the pesky symptoms of Athlete’s Foot with a customized treatment for your individual needs. Our Chiropodist, Athletic Therapist, and Pedorthist in Burlington, Ontario can help to eradicate infections and minimize the chance of recurrence.
Causes of Athlete's Foot
Tinea pedis is caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that infect the skin, hair, and nails. Sometimes yeast can cause foot infections and rashes, often between the toes. People who are prone to tinea pedis are also susceptible to toenail fungal infections (onychomycosis). This is because both conditions are caused by the same types of fungi.
Some people are prone to athlete's foot because of a genetic predisposition or because of factors that cause a compromised immune system. Examples include steroid medications or chronic diseases such as diabetes and cancer.
One of the most important factors contributing to athlete's foot is sweat. Sweat is a normal response to the hot environment inside a shoe. Some people may have hyperhidrosis, or excess sweating, which can increase the chance of fungal infection even further.
The heat and humidity inside shoes create an ideal environment for dermatophytes and other fungi to thrive.
Athlete's Foot Diagnosis
Seek treatment if the symptoms include intense redness, blistering, peeling, cracked skin, or pain. Lab tests such as a KOH prep or culture may be used to determine if the cause of symptoms is a fungal infection. Additionally, other conditions can mimic the symptoms of athlete's foot.
Athlete's Foot Remedy
In most cases, you will treat tinea pedis with medication. A Chiropodist can prescribe stronger medication to treat persistent conditions.