Athlete’s foot is a fairly common condition that people try to treat at home. Some may go to their GPs only to get a recommendation for an over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal medication. The question for this post is this: at what point should a patient see a podiatrist for athlete’s foot?
It is worth noting that podiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in conditions affecting the feet and ankles. We know feet and ankles inside out. We are intimately familiar with common diseases, injuries, and medical conditions that affect everything from the big toe to the Achilles tendon. So, if you’re experiencing athlete’s foot you can’t seem to treat with OTC products, consider a visit to Beyond Podiatry.
The Basics of Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is basically a fungal infection. It generally presents itself between the toes, though it can certainly spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- A pronounced rash
- Persistent itching
- Stinging, burning pain
- Skin inflammation
- A gray or purple color to the skin
- Dry, scaly skin at the bottom of the foot
Some patients experience cracked skin between the toes or even blisters. In the most severe cases, walking and running can be painful.
When It’s Time to See a Podiatrist
There is nothing wrong with attempting to treat athlete’s foot on your own with an OTC medication. But if self-treatment does not work, it is time to see a doctor. We recommend seeing a podiatrist if:
1. Your Symptoms Persist
An OTC antifungal should begin making a difference within several days to a week. If your symptoms either don’t improve or get worse after two weeks, the OTC medication probably isn’t going to get it done. You may have a severe infection requiring specialized treatment. It’s time to see a podiatrist.
2. The Infection Is Spreading
An athlete’s foot infection limited to small areas of the foot should be manageable with OTC medications. Consider seeing a podiatrist if the infection has spread to other parts of the foot. A podiatrist has specialized treatments that can address athlete’s foot that has spread to the toenails or the skin underneath.
3. You Experience Recurring Infections
Yet another good reason to see a podiatrist for athlete’s foot is a recurring infection. You might successfully treat athlete’s foot with an OTC product only to have the infection return several weeks later. Repeated cycles of infection and healing could indicate complications.
A podiatrist is most qualified to help you figure out why athlete’s foot keeps coming back. Once the root cause is determined, appropriate treatments can be recommended. Your podiatrist’s goal will be to stave off future infections.
4. You Have an Underlying Condition
Finally, combining athlete’s foot with another underlying condition could spell trouble. For example, diabetics have to be very careful about their feet and ankles. A diabetic who develops athlete’s foot should probably skip the GP and go right to a podiatrist immediately. The reasoning is simple: untreated infections can lead to serious complications for diabetics, complications that could lead to eventual amputation.
A Treatable Condition
We want to close this post by reminding you that athlete’s foot is a treatable condition. With the right treatments and good foot care, the fungus causing you so much discomfort can be beaten. We can help at Beyond Podiatry.
Beyond Podiatry operates clinics in multiple states including Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio. If one of our clinics is near you, we invite you to make an appointment to see one of our podiatrists. We are eager to help you start feeling better.
