Before any other questions or facts are addressed about athlete’s foot, one statement must be made perfectly clear:
The general idea behind the fungal infection known as athlete’s foot is that only people who participate in sports are susceptible to contracting it. This is simply not true, because the fungus thrives in any warm, moist areas. This includes locker rooms where athletes reside, but can also include recreation center pools and showers. So a nine year old with swim lessons at the local pool is just as likely to get athlete’s foot as the quarterback of the local college team.
Athlete’s foot can also spread to other parts of the body. The same fungal infection, when spread to the groin area, is referred to as “jock itch.” Again, not just for jocks.
More severe symptoms may occur if there is an allergic reaction to the infection. This could result in blisters around the torso and arms.
Most cases are able to be diagnosed by sight and confirmed with knowledge that the afflicted has spent time in some sort of locker room or public shower. More severe cases should be inspected by a foot specialist, who can diagnose more severe cases and cases that exhibit a different range of symptoms.
Some cases of athlete’s foot go away on their own. An even higher percentage of cases are treated easily with an over-the-counter ointment. But sometimes the infection stays active and recurrences can be common. In this case, a foot doctor should be consulted to prevent further or ongoing infections.
Questions regarding the prevention, symptoms, and treatment of athlete’s foot can be directed to Dr. Michael Perlstein, an experienced New York City podiatrist. Order the free book How to Keep Your Feet Healthy and Feel Good on his website. Dr. Perlstein serves the greater New York City area, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Dr. Perlstein's office is open Monday through Friday as well as on Sunday.
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