Dr. Theodore D’Amato’s mission is to provide outstanding podiatric care in a comfortable, welcoming environment. He offers a wide range of foot care services at his Brick podiatry office, including treatment of athlete’s foot. He specializes in diabetic foot care and pediatric conditions, but he also provides comprehensive routine foot care to help prevent any problems from occurring. He offers general foot care for the entire family as well as treating specific conditions of the foot and ankle. Some of his services include treatments for fungal infections, ingrown toenails, hammertoes and bunions, wound and diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and fractures or sprains of the foot and ankle.
Athlete’s foot is a common infection of the foot that is effectively treated at the Brick podiatry office. This contagious condition causes red, cracked skin and water filled blisters on the soles of the feet or between the toes. It usually itches and burns and can infect the toenails causing them to develop a fungus which thickens and discolors them. If the infection goes untreated, it can lead to secondary bacterial infections. This is of particular concern for those patients with diabetes of circulatory problems. So it is important to get this infection treated and under control as quickly as possible.
The Brick podiatry office strongly suggests treating athlete’s foot at the first sign of itching. Treatment consists of identifying and removing the offending material and medicating the skin and toenails to alleviate the inflammation, reduce the rash, blisters and affected toenails. Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene. Wash and dry your feet, including between the toes, every morning and evening, change socks or stockings daily, and don't wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely before wearing them again. Sprinkle antifungal powder on feet and in your shoes daily. Antifungal creams and sprays are also effective at managing the infection. Continue treatment for one to two weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring. Make sure your feet get plenty of air. If you can't go barefoot (which you should avoid in public areas) or wear sandals, wear synthetic socks which will wick away moisture. Cotton and wool tend to trap the moisture and promote fungal growth. Wear shoes made of a porous material. If not treated properly and promptly, athlete's foot can be very stubborn. Even when treated with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment.
By Dr. Theodore D'Amato DPM
January 22, 2019