Could that rash on your feet be caused by athlete's foot? Vineland, NJ, podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Belancio shares common symptoms and 
explains what you can do to treat the uncomfortable condition.
Athlete's foot symptoms
The fungal infection responsible for athlete's foot causes a red, itchy, burning rash that typically forms on the soles of your feet and between your toes. You may also notice a few small blisters in the itchy area. These blisters tend to leak and may form painful sores when they break open. A bad smell can also be a symptom of athlete's foot.
Athlete's foot doesn't always cause a red, itchy rash. In some cases, you may only notice dry, flaky skin on your feet.
Athlete's foot is contagious
Tinea pedis, the fungus that causes athlete's foot, thrives in dark, damp spaces and can be spread from person to person easily. You may have caught it by walking barefoot on a locker room floor or pool deck or through direct contact with an infected person.
Sharing towels, sheets, socks or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot will increase your risk of developing the fungal infection. You may be more likely to develop athlete's foot if you have cuts or breaks in your skin, have eczema or have diabetes or a condition that affects your immune system.
Athlete's foot isn't always easy to treat at home
Mild cases of athlete's foot may well respond well to over-the-counter treatments. Unfortunately, if you have a stubborn or severe infection, drugstore store products might not clear up the rash and relieve the itching. If your symptoms don't improve with home treatment, we can prescribe prescription topical or oral anti-fungal medication during your visit to our Vineland office.
Do you still have athlete's foot despite weeks of home treatment? Call Vineland, NJ, podiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Belancio at (856) 839-0579 to schedule an appointment.