If you’ve been dealing with a stubborn case of athlete’s foot, you have probably been washing, drying, and spraying your feet every day, hoping for some relief from the constant itching. However, what you may not realize is that the itch might not be the only side effect you need to worry about.
Here are two common complications of athlete’s foot:
- Other fungal infections. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in dark, damp areas. Unfortunately, there are other fungi that are attracted to similar environments, including a nail fungal infection that often goes hand-in-hand with athlete’s foot.
- Bacterial infections. Like fungus, bacteria like a warm, moist environment, but fungus can produce an antibiotic substance that kills off the bacteria. While this may seem like a good thing, it actually promotes the growth of heartier, more resistant bacteria. These infections are not only harder to kill, they also cause tissue breakdown, resulting in eroding between the toes and painful, soggy skin.
- An allergic response. An outbreak of athlete's foot can cause protein to enter the bloodstream, causing an allergic reaction that can lead to further itching or blisters on your feet and toes.
At HealthMark Foot & Ankle Associates, our Phoenixville podiatrists can show you how to get rid of athlete’s foot for good. We take a whole-body approach to treating your feet that includes relieving your pain, easing your symptoms, and teaching you how to prevent the condition from coming back.
Call us today for a consultation in Media at 610-565-3668 or in Phoenixville at 610-933-8644. To learn more about taking great care of your feet, click the link on this page to receive a FREE copy of our informational guide, The Foot is Not an Island: Recognizing Vitamin D Deficiency & How to Correct It.