Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin. People report symptoms of immense itchiness, cracked, blistered of peeling areas on their feet. It can appear to be red and scaly.

It can occur anywhere on the foot and can spread to other areas. It particularly appears on warm, moist, waterlogged skin (e.g. in between the toes) or on dry flaky heels due a loss of protective oils coating the skin.

A number of fungal species can cause this problem. It can be picked up from anywhere you walk barefoot through stepping on infected sheds of skin. The most common place to pick it up is in communal areas such as public showers, swimming pools and changing rooms. The fungi that cause this type of infection breed in shoes where they have an ideal environment of warmth, darkness and moisture.

If left untreated the fungal infection can spread to the nails which can then be very difficult to treat. The infected nails can appear unsightly, thickened, friable and discoloured.
As the fungal infection is highly contagious the key is to catch it early before it starts to spread.

• Change your footwear regularly and your socks daily. Wearing flip-flops in the bathroom and communal areas
• If the athletes’ foot is mild, re-evaluating your foot hygiene may help and using surgical spirit may stop it in its tracks especially in between the toes.
• There are many brand of anti-fungal medication available which can be used for several days or weeks to treat the infections.
• Always follow the guidelines of the medication and consult your GP if you have any particular problems.
• These types of medication can allow the fungus to lie dormant and could reappear if the environment is right.

They identify the fungus and establish the best course of treatment for your particular type of athletes’ foot.
treat your fungal nails if fungal infection has spread. We can reduce the thickness of the nail and cut back the nails that are affected.

Your GP can prescribe a broad spectrum anti-fungal medication to eliminate the fungus if local treatment or prevention routine has been unsuccessful.