There’s actually more than one bang out of athlete’s foot, according to Correa.
The rash can spread to heels and up the side of your foot in this variety as well.
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What is Athlete’s Foot?
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It is brought on by a jot down of fungus known as a dermatophyte.
“Most people don’t realize bacteria buildup happens inside the shoes,” says Correa.
Garshick adds that occlusive shoes provide damp conditions that allow dermatophyte fungus to thrive.
One solution might be to use an ultraviolet light shoe sterilizer to clear shoes of bacteria.
Garshick suggests alternating shoes, which can help allow them to air dry between use.
She recommends one with clotrimazole, an antifungal.
She also likes it because it spreads easily, and can be applied twice daily.
“It also contains shea butter to soothe the dry, cracked skin.”
Spray is favored for its ease of program.
Apply to the affected area twice daily.
She recommends using a keratolytic with salicylic acid or urea, such as Kerasal or Eucerin Roughness Repair.
Avoid Sharing Towels
Direct contact with skin isn’t the only way athlete’s foot is spread.
If doing anat-home pedi, be sure to practice good hygiene with your tools.
Avoid Pumice Stones
Correa sayspumice stonesare a breeding ground for bacteria and should be avoided.
“Avoid using pumice stones or pedicure files that are ‘cleaned’ by a simple rinse.”
While often topical treatments are enough, occasionally oral medications may be needed.
Gupta AK, Daigle D, Paquet M, et al.Topical Treatments for Athlete’s Foot.Cochrane Database Syst Rev.
2018;2018(1):CD010863.
doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010863.pub2
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Nail Hygiene.
Updated July 26, 2016.
