Scaly, peeling skin. Blisters and dryness. Discolored, damaged toenails. Frisco athlete’s foot patients know all of the reasons that the condition is miserable. Now, you can know the places that you should take care in visiting in order to avoid the same symptoms.
Frisco Athlete’s Foot and Public Pools
The root cause of athlete’s foot is mold-like fungi (dermatophytes). The fungi love a warm, damp environment, and there are few places warmer and damper than a public pool.
The sheer volume and turnover of visitors to your public pool means that chances are likely you will encounter someone who has athlete’s foot. The disease is highly contagious; even if you don’t come into direct contact with a carrier, you may get the infection just by walking on a contaminated surface.
However, no one wants to miss out on swimming fun, and you shouldn’t have to avoid your local pool out of fear of Frisco athlete’s foot. Instead, take proper precautions: always use footwear when visiting the pool, and regularly wash your feet to discourage the growth of the fungus.
Athlete’s Foot Hangs Out at the Gym
Working out is a good thing, but sharing weight benches, equipment, and locker room with other patrons is an easy way to come in contact with athlete’s foot. Even the most cleanly of gym visitors can leave behind traces of the disease… and not everyone who visits the gym prioritizes cleanliness.
As with the public pool, you can avoid athlete’s foot by always wearing shoes in the locker room or showers. And about that footwear: try and make it something that breathes. Tight or plastic shoes don’t allow air to move around your feet, giving the athlete’s foot fungus all the comforts of home.
Anywhere You Go Barefoot
Again, it’s perfectly fine to enjoy a day in the park with your shoes off, to tread your toes through the sand at the beach, to play barefoot on the carpet in your own home. Just be aware of the possibility that you may encounter athlete’s foot, and take the right precautions.
This means keeping your feet clean and dry; paying attention to signs that you may have picked up something; and seeking treatment as soon as you think you may have the condition.
Frisco patients who address athlete’s foot quickly can avoid uncomfortable complications, and fortunately, treatment isn’t all that difficult. There are a number of over-the-counter products that can make an impact in the fight against fungi. When these fail, Dallas and Frisco podiatrist Rachel Verville may be able to prescribe medications to resolve the condition within a couple of weeks.
If you are concerned about athlete’s foot, call Dr. Rachel Verville and RNV Podiatry at (214) 385-8822 or schedule an appointment online.
