
January marks the start of a new year and with that, many New Year’s resolutions. For many people, that means heading to the gym. Gyms are especially crowded this time of year, filled with regulars and newcomers determined to kick off the year with a healthier lifestyle. While gyms are great places to work on your fitness goals, they can also be hotspots for spreading infections like athlete’s foot. Whether you’re a seasoned gym-goer or stepping into one for the first time, understanding how to protect yourself from athlete’s foot is essential. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, we see athlete’s foot cases regularly. Here are some tips on how to keep from getting athlete’s foot and how to manage it to keep it from getting worse if you already have it.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It’s caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments. Common symptoms include itching, redness, cracking, and peeling skin, particularly between the toes. In severe cases, athlete’s foot can cause painful blisters or spread to other parts of the body, such as the hands or groin. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, we can assist in clearing up your Athlete’s Foot condition.
Why Is Athlete’s Foot So Contagious?
Athlete’s foot spreads easily through direct contact with an infected person or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. Gym environments are ideal breeding grounds for the fungus because they are warm and humid, especially in locker rooms, showers, and around pools.
Walking barefoot in these areas, sharing towels, or even wearing damp socks and shoes for extended periods increases your risk of contracting athlete’s foot. With more people using gym facilities in January, the chances of encountering this pesky infection rise.
How to Avoid Athlete’s Foot at the Gym
Fortunately, preventing athlete’s foot at the gym is simple if you take the right precautions. Here are some tips to help you stay fungus-free:
- Always Wear Shoes: Never walk barefoot in the gym, especially in communal areas like showers, saunas, or locker rooms. Flip-flops or water shoes act as a barrier between your feet and the fungus.
- Dry Your Feet Thoroughly: After showering, make sure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks or shoes. Pay special attention to the spaces between your toes.
- Use Anti-fungal Powder or Spray: Sprinkling an anti-fungal powder or using a spray on your feet and inside your shoes can help reduce moisture and prevent fungal growth.
- Change Socks Regularly: Moisture-wicking socks are a great choice for workouts. Change into clean, dry socks immediately after exercising.
- Keep Gym Shoes Dry: Damp, sweaty shoes are a breeding ground for fungus. Alternate between pairs of workout shoes to allow each pair to dry out fully.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Towels, socks, and shoes should never be shared. Fungus can easily transfer from one person to another this way.
Can Athlete’s Foot Spread to Other Places Than Feet?
If you have athlete’s foot, don’t touch other parts of your body after touching your feet without washing your hands. Athlete’s foot fungus can spread to the hands, nails, and groin areas. The fungus can also spread through sharing towels, sheets, clothing, or shoes with someone who has it. Dry your body off first and your feet last and make sure you use a clean towel each time. If you share a bed with someone, wear light, breathable socks to bed.
What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?
Athlete’s foot can have varying appearances depending on the severity and type of infection. Here’s what it commonly looks like:
1. Red, Scaly Skin
The skin, especially between the toes, may appear red and irritated.
Dry, flaky patches of skin are often present.
2. Itchy and Burning Sensation
Affected areas might feel intensely itchy, particularly when the feet are warm or sweaty.
Some people describe a burning sensation.
3. Cracking and Peeling
Skin between the toes often cracks or peels due to dryness and irritation.
In severe cases, the skin may bleed or become raw.
4. Blisters
Small, fluid-filled blisters may form, particularly on the soles or sides of the feet.
These blisters can break open, causing further irritation.
5. Discolored and Thickened Skin
In chronic cases, the skin on the soles may thicken, harden, or become discolored (a condition called moccasin athlete’s foot). This often looks like a rash covering the bottom of the foot.
6. Odor
Athlete’s foot can produce an unpleasant odor due to fungal and bacterial growth.
7. Spread to Toenails
If left untreated, the fungus may spread to the toenails, causing discoloration, thickening, or crumbling (known as onychomycosis).
Treating Athlete’s Foot
If you develop athlete’s foot despite your best efforts, prompt treatment is key to prevent the infection from worsening or spreading. Mild cases can often be managed with over-the-counter anti-fungal products. Let Kansas City Foot Specialists Dr. Laha and Dr. Hall assist you today!
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Creams, sprays, and powders containing ingredients like terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole are effective at treating mild athlete’s foot. Apply these medications as directed, typically for one to two weeks after symptoms disappear, to ensure the fungus is eradicated. Contact us today and we can quickly get you in with our team of specialists.
When to See a Podiatrist
If you notice persistent symptoms, such as redness, cracking, blisters, or thickened skin that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments, consult a podiatrist. At Kansas City Foot Specialists, Dr. Laha and Dr. Hall can diagnose and treat stubborn cases of athlete’s foot. Podiatrists offer options that go beyond at-home treatments, including:
- Prescription Medications: Stronger anti-fungal creams, ointments, or oral medications may be prescribed to tackle persistent infections.
- Debridement: If thickened or damaged skin is present, your podiatrist may remove it to allow anti-fungal treatments to work more effectively.
- Customized Advice: Your podiatrist can evaluate your specific case and recommend lifestyle changes to prevent reinfection, such as the use of specialized socks or anti-fungal sprays.
Don’t Ignore Persistent Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot isn’t just a nuisance. It can lead to more serious issues if left untreated. Secondary bacterial infections, toenail fungal infections, and widespread skin infections can occur if the condition isn’t properly managed. Don’t let an athlete’s foot derail your New Year’s fitness goals. Protect your feet, seek treatment if needed, and enjoy a healthy, fungus-free year!
At Kansas City Foot Specialists, we can help diagnose and treat a wide array of foot and ankle problems, including athlete’s foot. Drs. Laha and Hall have years of experience and can properly diagnose and treat everything from neuromas to neuropathy. If you have athlete’s foot and can’t seem to get rid of it, call us today at 913-338-4440 to schedule an appointment or book online.