The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises people to watch out for recreational water illnesses (RWIs) while enjoying themselves at the pool and beach this summer. An RWI is a disease that spreads through the consumption of or contact with contaminated water.
One of the most common RWIs is athlete’s foot, which is often contracted while using communal showers at beaches or public pools. The CDC recommends that swimmers make sure these areas have proper drainage before using them and keep their feet dry when possible to prevent the fungus from spreading.
Athlete’s foot can develop all year round and from a variety of different environmental conditions. If you are experiencing discomfort in your feet and you think it might be athlete’s foot, see podiatrist Dr. Jeff Wachtel, D.P.M., of Wachtel Family Foot Care. Dr. Wachtel will identify the source of your infection and provide you with instructions for treating it.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools. This condition can also be prevalent in “commons” areas in prisons and residential care facilities.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
– Hydrate your feet by using lotion
– Exfoliate
– Buff off nails
– Use of anti-fungal product
– Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.
What is Tinea?
– Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
– Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
– Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
– Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please contact our office, located in Lansdale, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
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