Have your feet ever been so itchy that you've wanted to scratch them against the nearest piece of furniture? Have you taken your socks off and discovered that your toes are looking a little red, flaky or even peeling?

You might have athlete’s foot!

And no, you don't have to be an athlete to get it. You don't even need to own a pair of trainers. Although, if your feet spend most of the day sweating inside tight shoes, the fungus responsible will be absolutely delighted!

At Happy Feet Hove, I believe happy feet start with healthy feet. So let's take a simple, light-hearted look at athlete’s foot, what causes it and how you can send this unwelcome visitor packing.

What Exactly Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on your feet. It is caused by tiny fungi that love warm, damp places.

Think of them as unwanted houseguests. They arrive without being invited, settle into the warm, cosy space between your toes and start making themselves at home!

The infection often begins between the toes, especially between the fourth and fifth toes, where things can become warm and moist. However, it can also affect the soles and sides of your feet.

Common signs include:

• Itchy, irritated skin.

• White, soggy-looking skin between the toes.

• Redness, peeling or flaky skin.

• Small cracks or splits in the skin.

• Burning or stinging, especially when the skin splits.

  
  

Sometimes the skin simply looks dry and scaly, so athlete’s foot can be mistaken for dry skin or eczema.

And here's the important bit: not every itchy or flaky foot has athlete’s foot. If you're unsure, a foot health practitioner or other healthcare professional can help you work out what's going on.

How did I get it?

Before you start blaming your gym membership, athlete’s foot can affect absolutely anyone!

The fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, such as changing rooms, communal showers and swimming pool areas.

You can pick up the infection by walking barefoot on contaminated floors or through contact with infected skin or contaminated items, such as towels and footwear.

Your own shoes can also help the fungus settle in. If your feet sweat heavily and your shoes never get a chance to dry properly, you've created something resembling a five-star hotel for fungi.

Unfortunately, the fungi aren't paying rent, either!

How do I get rid of it?

The good news is that athlete’s foot can usually be treated successfully. However, you need to be consistent. Applying cream once, forgetting about it for three days and hoping for a miracle isn't quite the plan!

1. Use an appropriate antifungal treatment

Antifungal creams, sprays or other treatments are available from pharmacies. These are designed to treat fungal infections.

Follow the instructions on the product carefully and complete the recommended course, even if your feet start looking better. Different products have different treatment times.

If the infection isn't improving, keeps returning or you're unsure what it is, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.

2. Keep your feet clean and dry

Wash your feet regularly and dry them carefully, especially between every toe.

This is where many people go wrong. Drying the tops and soles is easy, but the spaces between the toes are often forgotten.

Give each toe a little attention. Your towel may not thank you, but your feet will!

3. Give your shoes a chance to breathe

Try alternating between pairs of shoes so each pair has time to dry properly.

Choose breathable footwear where possible, and change your socks daily, or more often if your feet become sweaty.

If your trainers smell as though they've run a marathon without you, they may be ready for a good airing!

4. Don't share your foot-care essentials

Keep your towels, socks and footwear to yourself while treating the infection. Wash towels and socks regularly, and avoid walking barefoot in communal changing rooms and showers.

Your family might love you, but they probably don't want your athlete’s foot as a souvenir!

Can athlete’s foot spread to my toenails?

Yes, it can.

The fungus responsible for athlete’s foot can sometimes spread to the toenails, contributing to a fungal nail infection. Nails may become thickened, discoloured, crumbly or misshapen.

Nail infections can be harder to treat than skin infections, so it's worth getting advice if you notice changes to your nails.

Treating the skin infection and keeping your feet dry can help reduce the chance of it spreading.

How can a Foot Health Practitioner help?

As a Foot Health Practitioner, I can examine your feet, look for signs of fungal infection and advise you on suitable next steps.

Where appropriate, fungal nail testing may help identify whether a nail problem is caused by a fungus.

I can also advise on foot hygiene, footwear and ways to reduce the risk of the infection returning.

If the skin is badly cracked, painful or looks infected, you should seek medical advice promptly. People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should seek professional advice early rather than trying to manage the problem alone.

Let's show athlete’s foot the door!

Athlete’s foot is common, treatable and nothing to be embarrassed about. But it won't disappear on its own, and ignoring it can allow it to spread.

A little daily care, the right treatment and some sensible shoe habits can make a real difference.

So, if your toes are itching, peeling or looking a little suspicious, don't just blame your socks!

At Happy Feet Hove, I'm here to help you keep your feet healthy, comfortable and fungus-free.

Because the only thing that should be running around your feet is you!

Happy feet, healthier toes and a happier you!