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Lakewood, NJ ----While there are a variety of skin conditions that can affect our feet, tinia pedis – also known as athlete’s foot – is one of the most common. Athlete’s foot can be painful, unsightly and prevent us from participating in activities that we enjoy.
“Athlete’s foot is a skin disease caused by a fungus that usually occurs between the toes,” explains Dr. Affan Akhtar, a Howell-based podiatrist on staff at Kimball Medical Center in Lakewood. Dr. Affan Akhtar practices with Dr. Richard Lesser, Chairman of the Podiatry Department at Kimball Medical Center. Together, the two physicians treat a host of foot and ankle disorders and sports injuries including sprains, strains, tears and fractures. These kinds of injuries, while more common in athletes, can happen to anyone who experiences an unexpected fall or comes down awkwardly on their foot or ankle.
According to Dr. Akhtar, athlete’s foot is also common in people who participate in sporting activities. The fungus commonly attacks the feet because the shoes we wear often provides a warm, dark, moist environment that encourages fungus growth.
“In addition, warm, damp areas surrounding swimming pools, showers and locker rooms are common places to contract athlete’s foot,” he says. “With more people exercising and working out indoors, gym locker rooms are another breeding ground for athlete’s foot,” he adds.
According to Dr. Akhtar, athlete's foot is contagious, and can be passed through direct contact, or contact with items such as shoes, socks or stockings. Walking barefoot on contaminated shower or locker room floors, swimming pool deck areas or diving boards can also spread the condition.
“The most common symptom associated with athlete’s foot is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes,” he explains. “The affected area is usually red, inflamed and itchy. Many people experience burning or stinging in the area, and may have blisters, oozing, or crusting as well.” In addition to affecting the toes, Dr. Akhtar notes that symptoms can also occur on the heels of the feet, the palms of the hands or between the fingers. “If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble,” he adds.
Diagnosing athlete’s foot, according to Dr. Akhtar, is based primarily on the appearance of your skin. “In persistent or more severe cases,” he explains, “your doctor may perform a skin culture or biopsy to confirm the presence of the fungus under a microscope.”
Antifungal medications containing miconozone, clotrimazole or tolnaftate, usually help control the infection. Once the infection has cleared, Dr. Akhtar recommends continuing treatment for an additional week or two to prevent a reoccurrence.
“If you are a diabetic and develop athlete’s foot you should see a podiatrist right away,” advises Dr. Akhtar. “Also, if you have a severe case of athlete’s foot and your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, or there are red streaks present you should contact your doctor. These are signs of a possible bacterial infection. Other signs include pus or other discharge and fever,” he adds. “In some cases athlete’s foot is compounded by secondary bacterial infections that result from scratching, and antibiotics may also be necessary,” he adds.
You can prevent athlete’s foot by practicing good foot hygiene, according to Dr. Akhtar, which includes daily washing of the feet with soap and water, careful drying – especially between the toes, and changing shoes and socks regularly to decrease moisture.
Dr. Akhtar offers the following tips to help you keep your feet healthy and fungus free:
• Avoid walking barefoot. Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers and around public pool areas.
• Wear cotton or moisture-wicking socks and change your socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep your feet dry.
• Use antifungal or drying powders to help keep feet dry and protected.
• Wear shoes that are well ventilated and, preferably, made of natural material such as leather. It may help to alternate shoes each day, so they can dry completely between wearing. Avoid plastic-lined shoes.
To contact or schedule an appointment with Affan Akhtar, D.P.M., Richard Lesser, D.P.M., or another podiatrist on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-724-7123.
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director of Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@barnabashealth.org
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