Athlete's Foot in Houston, TX

At Advanced Dermatology, we provide patients suffering from infectious diseases with professional evaluation and care at our four locations in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX. A fungal infection on the skin of the foot and toenails, athlete's foot is a contagious skin condition endured by men, women, and children of all ages. Also known as tinea pedis (skin) or onychomycosis (nails), this is not a life-endangering skin condition, but it can be uncomfortable and troublesome if not diagnosed and treated. Our dedicated teams work with people every day with this fungal issue. Request an appointment with one of our medical dermatology teams today.

Athlete's foot occurs when fungus grows anywhere on the foot/feet, including the top, underside, heel, or toes. Anyone can get it, but it is often spread in gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, showers, or other areas where the infected person walks barefoot. Wearing tight-fitting shoes, having sweaty feet, and minor skin injuries on the feet are also breeding grounds for this condition.

• Sharing shoes, socks, or towels with others
• Walking barefoot in locker rooms, showers, etc.
• Maintaining poor hygiene
• Covering feet in socks made of fabrics that do not keep moisture away from the skin
• Dressing in dirty and/or sweaty socks for more than one day
• Wearing moist or sweaty tennis shoes

If your feet have red blotchy areas, are itchy, or have moist, or flaking skin, then it is possible that an infection may exist. We can often diagnose athlete's foot based on these types of symptoms alone. In some cases, a skin sample will be taken for biopsy.

Many women and men who get athlete's foot understand that they have a fungal infection and can safely use over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. If the infection persists or gets worse, then a visit at Advanced Dermatology is usually recommended. There are numerous prescription medications that can help treat the infection, including prescription-strength topical antifungals, as well as oral antifungal medications (itraconazole, fluconazole, or terbinafine). At times, oral antibiotics are combined with treatment to help with infected blisters which reduce inflammation and to prevent additional blisters from developing. It's crucial that you keep up your personal hygiene to stop the spread of the infection. This includes keeping your feet dry and soaking them in saltwater, or diluted vinegar to help accelerate the healing of blisters.

Athlete's foot can be severe or mild, can come and go, and worsens over time. Diagnosing the fungus and getting it treated will help reduce the risk of a return of this infection. If you believe you have a fungal infection on your feet, including the heel, sides, top and/or bottom, or between your toes and nails, please call Advanced Dermatology and make your appointment. We see patients in Katy, League City, Pearland, and Sugar Land, TX.

How contagious is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is highly contagious. It is caused by fungal infections, typically by dermatophyte fungi, which thrive in warm, moist environments such as locker rooms, communal showers, and swimming pools. These fungi can easily spread through direct contact with infected surfaces, skin-to-skin contact, or by sharing contaminated items like towels or shoes. To prevent the spread of athlete's foot, it's crucial to practice good hygiene, keep your feet dry, and avoid sharing personal items with individuals who have the infection.

Will athlete's foot go away on its own?
Athlete's foot often requires treatment to resolve. While some mild cases may improve on their own, many cases persist or worsen without intervention. Even when athlete's foot seems to spontaneously resolve, it often comes back again. Without proper treatment, the fungal infection can continue to spread and cause discomfort, itching, and skin damage.

How do I know for sure that I have athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is characterized by common symptoms, including itching, burning, redness, peeling skin, and the presence of small blisters on the feet, particularly between the toes. To confirm a diagnosis, schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable dermatologists. They can examine the affected area, conduct diagnostic tests if necessary, and provide a definitive diagnosis. If you suspect you have athlete's foot or experience persistent symptoms, seeking medical advice is important for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.