Southerner's Foot

Well it’s getting to that time of year again. The sun is staying out longer, the temperature is climbing towards 80 degrees, and you’re excited about coming out of winter hibernation. Whether it’s a jog down the road or just being outside all day, you feel as nothing can stop you from enjoying the warmer weather…well almost nothing. If your feet become itchy and red, with some scaly skin you could have a condition called Athlete’s Foot.
So what causes Athlete’s Foot? It’s actually a fungus (Tinea pedis to be specific) that lives on our feet and feeds off the dead skin our body makes. Moisture is one of the main contributing factors for this condition and the dark, warm, moist environment that our shoes create during warm temperatures is like a Thanksgiving feast for the fungus.
And it’s the south. And it stays pretty warm most of the year. So how can you prevent Athlete’s Foot? Make sure you’re wearing moisture-wicking socks, and if you’re exercising, wear shoes that will breathe and keep your feet dry. Avoid going barefoot in places like the gym, public shower and around the swimming pool. You should also wash your feet daily with soap. This helps remove the dead skin from between your toes that the fungus feasts on. So let’s say you didn’t read this blog yet and think you may have Athlete’s Foot. You should come in and see Dr. Grimm or Dr. Pattison to confirm it as there are a plethora of skin conditions this could resemble fungus. Treatment can be as simple as a few creams or washes that serve as an anti-fungal agent or an antiperspirant to control the moisture of your feet. But to make sure you’re feet are at their best, come by and see your local Podiatrist to get you back for the springtime weather.