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5 important facts about athlete’s foot

1. Anyone can suffer from athlete’s foot

Despite the condition’s name, athletes aren’t the only ones who suffer from athlete’s foot. Anyone from active teenagers to the elderly can catch this fungus. The best way to avoid athlete’s foot is to wash and dry your feet regularly and thoroughly, especially after exercising or spending time in a hot, moist environment. Allow your shoes to dry out completely between each use, and treat regularly with antifungal powders and sprays.

2. Athlete’s foot doesn’t only affect feet

Fungi cause athlete’s foot, which means it can affect any part of the skin. In fact, the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot is responsible for jock itch. This particular type of fungus, contracted through touch, can spread to any place on the body. Anytime a person scratches or touches an affected area, the fungus can spread. This means athlete’s foot can even spread through clothes and sheets. Since athlete’s foot thrives in damp, dark places, the groin, feet, and armpits are particularly vulnerable.

3. Athlete’s foot thrives in public showers

Public showers are one of the easiest places to catch athlete’s foot. The high amount of traffic in these areas means there’s a high potential for fungus to spread, but sharing socks, shoes, or towels with someone who has athlete’s foot is also a problem. Wear sandals in public showers and locker rooms to avoid catching athlete’s foot.

4. Certain fabrics can help prevent athlete’s foot

Many believe wearing socks made of nylon and other synthetic materials help prevent athlete’s foot. But in reality, natural fibers like wool or cotton do a better job of keeping feet dry. One of the best ways to prevent athlete’s foot is to keep your feet dry and free of moisture at all times.

5. Athlete’s foot won’t go away on its own

Athlete’s foot won’t go away when left untreated. In fact, the condition may grow worse over time. Itching will most likely become more intense, and the condition could possibly turn into a severe infection.

Topical creams are the most effective treatments for athlete’s foot, while oral antifungal pills are more effective at treating severe, resistant infections. Those suffering from the infection should continue using these medicines for the prescribed amount of time. Even if itching stops, it’s important to continue the full treatment to avoid recurring flare-ups of athlete’s foot.

Are you suffering from athlete’s foot or red, itchy feet? Kansas City Foot Specialists can help you identify your foot problems and prescribe the best treatments. Contact us today to make an appointment so we can treat your foot conditions and get you back on your feet, pain-free!