Athlete's foot is a common problem that will strike many people. While this condition is usually easy to treat, there are many patients who have a poor understanding of this condition, which may cause this problem to be more stressful than necessary. However, if you dispel the following two myths, you should be better prepared to prevent this problem from arising and treating it if it develops.
Myth: You Only Get Athlete's Foot From Public Areas
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection, and it is often contracted from using public showers or swimming pools. Unfortunately, there are some patients that believe this is the only way of contracting this disease, and this is far from reality. The fungi that cause athlete's foot can easily make it into your shoes through a variety of ways. For example, it is possible for spores to land in them, or it may get on your feet when you are simply walking around your home or yard.
As a result, it is important for you to take steps to ensure that your shoes are routinely cleaned and disinfected. While it may be possible to wash many of your shoes, this may not always be possible. In these cases, you can purchase an aerosol spray that can be used to administer a fungal inhibiting coating to the interior of your shoe, which will neutralize these fungi before they can infect your feet.
Myth: Treatments Are Only Required As Long As Symptoms Of Athlete's Foot Are Present
While there are many different ointments that you can use to treat this condition, some patients make the error of only applying these substances as long as they have symptoms. Unfortunately, this can create conditions that are ideal for the problem to quickly recur. Most of the treatments have a recommended number of weeks to continue them, and it is important to follow this regimen to ensure you have neutralized all of the fungi.
If you have completed the treatment regimen and your symptoms have not subsided, you will need to seek professional care. There are oral medications that your doctor can prescribe that will strengthen your immune system enough to fight off the infection.
Athlete's foot is a painful condition that is often widely misunderstood by patients. These misunderstandings often stem from a lack of information, but having these two notions dispelled should put you in a better position to treat this problem as quickly as possible.
To talk to a podiatrist about athlete's foot, contact a company such as Gary S. Hymes DPM.
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