Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin that can lead to intense itching, cracked, blistered or peeling areas of skin, redness and scaling. It can occur on moist, waterlogged skin, usually between the fourth and fifth toes initially, or on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot. Large painful fissures can also develop and the condition can also spread along all five toes and sometimes to the soles of the feet if left untreated.

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Who gets athletes foot?

It’s not called athlete’s foot for nothing! Walking barefoot around swimming pools and spending your life in trainers may make you more likely to pick it up, but you do not need to be an athlete to get this condition.

 

Is athlete’s foot serious?

If left untreated, the fungus can spread to the toenails, causing thickening and yellowing of the nail, which is much harder to treat. Fungal infections are highly contagious and can spread to anywhere on your skin – including your scalp, hands, and even your groin. This is especially likely if you use the same towel for your feet as for the rest of your body. It is always best to treat this condition as soon as symptoms are first noticed.

 

How can I prevent it?

The most important tip for preventing athlete’s foot is to ensure your feet are completely dry after washing them and before you put your shoes and socks on. However, there are many things you can do to make your feet less hospitable to fungal infections.

  • Firstly, change your footwear regularly. There’s no point sorting your feet out if you constantly re-infect them by putting them into damp, fungally infected shoes. It takes 24-48 hours for shoes to dry out properly, so alternate your shoes daily.

  • If you have to wear the same pair day after day (say, if you’re on holiday), dry them out by using a hairdryer on a cold setting; this will get rid of the perspiration quickly without creating more heat. To help shoes dry out more quickly, take any insoles out.  Also, loosen any laces and open your shoes out fully so that air can circulate. Choose trainers with ventilation holes.

  • If your shoes are so tight that they squeeze your toes together, this encourages moisture to gather between your toes and encourages fungus. Let air circulate between the toes by going for a wider, deeper toe box instead and choose shoes made from natural materials. Of course, you should also change your socks daily.

  • Wear flip-flops in the bathroom and in public showers. This will ensure that you don’t leave shed skin around for others to pick up, but will also stop you from picking up other species of fungus.

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Contact Us - Podiatry

Whether you need to ask a question, make or change an appointment or just want to book an appointment, our dedicated and knowledgeable reception staff are available to help.

To get in touch, simply give us a call on 01737 762990 during our opening hours or send us a message using the contact form and we will get in touch.

Please note online booking is currently not available for Podiatry Services due to the often complex nature of enquiries

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What our clients say

I have been attending this clinic for the last 13 – 14 years. I have problems with ingrowing toenails and have had nail surgery. The care I received was excellent both with the surgery and aftercare

Pam M – Reigate

I was quite anxious on my first visit, having never used any service like this before, but they immediately put me at ease. They are so welcoming and friendly, knowledgeable and informative. The clinic is exceptionally well run, clean and organised and I feel in safe hands. Now it’s one of my favourite health “jobs” to do

Mandy R – Horley

This was my first visit to a podiatrist. I was really impressed on my first visit and everyone was very friendly. They diagnosed my problem very quickly and knew exactly what to do. I was immediately put at ease and, although the problem has required further treatment, I feel that my feet are in very good hands!!! Thank you!!!

Philip R – Redhill

Very quickly established the cause of issues and a plan to get it sorted. Each appointment has been excellent and very clear on how to tackle the problem. Fingers crossed for flip-flops in the summer!

Laura S – Reigate

Very positive experience. Lovely people and excellent treatment over several years. My feet are kept in prime condition!

Robert B – Redhill

Very professional, excellent service, and always a friendly face! You would be hard pushed to find a better Podiatrist.

Sue SJ – Reigate