Dermatology
Main Line Health provides dermatology care — including effective treatments, preventative care and cancer screenings — to ages in the Philadelphia area.
Athlete's Foot
What is athlete's foot?
In spite of its name, anyone can get athlete's foot. Wearing socks that are damp from sweat and moisture and keeping your feet confined in close-toed shoes creates a breeding ground for athlete's foot, a microscopic fungus that often starts between the toes. Walking around barefoot in public showers, pool areas and locker rooms is another way for this highly contagious skin infection to spread.
Symptoms of athlete's foot
Athlete's foot often starts with itching between the toes where you may see red, cracked skin. The more you scratch, the more inflamed it becomes and if you touch yourself in other areas of your body, the fungus can spread.
Other symptoms of athlete's foot include:
- Blistering skin
- Dry, scaly patches on the heels of feet
- Rash that spreads to the instep of your foot
- Red bumps on the feet
Athlete's foot prevention and treatment options
Keeping feet dry and clean is especially important to help prevent athlete's foot. It also helps to wear appropriate footwear in places where athlete's foot lives.
In some cases, athlete's foot may go away on its own with attention to good foot hygiene. Other treatments include antifungal powders and creams as well as antibiotics. If you're taking good care of your feet but still see no improvement after a couple of weeks, it's time to call a doctor.
Medications
Podiatry
See how Main Line Health’s dedicated team of podiatrists provide expert care, ensuring comprehensive treatment for your foot and ankle conditions.