Treatment for Athlete's Foot in Los Gatos

Athlete’s Foot, medically known as Tinea Pedis is a highly contagious fungal infection of the feet. It might last only a short period but, after treatment, could also recur.

While Athlete’s foot most often occurs in the skin on the feet and in-between the toes, it could also occur on the palms, heels and between the fingers.

This type of fungal infection thrives in a warm, moist environment. You are vulnerable to getting the infection if you:

• Sweat a great deal
• Get a minor nail or skin injury
• If your feet are wet for long periods of time
• If you wear shoes which are closed, particularly those which are plastic lined and cannot breathe

Athlete’s foot which is highly contagious is passed on through contact with items like infected socks and shoes, swimming pool and shower surfaces or through direct contact. Typical symptoms are flaking, cracking and peeling of skin between the toes or the sides of the foot, a red, itchy skin which burns or stings or blisters which ooze and become crusty.

This can be a stubborn infection difficult to eradicate. It is best controlled by anti fungal creams and powders which need to be applied for the duration of the infection and continued for 1 to 2 weeks to prevent it from recurring.

If you are diabetic or if the feet become warm to the touch and swollen, you need to see a podiatrist. If you live in Los Gatos or the Bay Area, a podiatric clinic which provides the full range of podiatric services is Foot and Ankle Associates. Click on http://www.sjfeet.com/ or call 408.358.6234 to schedule an appointment.