Athlete's Foot in Webster, TX

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects toenails, as well as skin on feet and toes. Also known as onychomycosis (nails) or tinea pedis (skin), this infection is contagious and commonly affects athletes — though it's by no means limited to athletes. The condition itself is not severe, but it can be embarrassing and troublesome if not diagnosed and treated. Our skilled dermatologists at Clear Lake Dermatology in League City and Webster, TX work with patients every day who have athlete's foot.

Athlete's foot happens when fungus grows anywhere on feet, whether on the top, underside, heels, or toes. Anyone can get athlete's foot, but the condition easily spreads in locker rooms, swimming pools, showers, gyms, and other places where someone with athlete's foot walks barefoot around others doing the same. Wearing tight-fitting shoes, having sweaty toes, and having small skin injuries to the feet or toes can all contribute to developing athlete's foot after exposure.

Anyone can get athlete's foot, but specific behaviors may increase the likelihood of catching the condition. Some of the most common causes of athlete's foot include:

• Sharing shoes, socks, or towels
• Walking without shoes in communal showers and locker rooms
• Having a small skin or nail injury on your foot
• Practicing poor hygiene
• Wearing socks made of fabrics that retain moisture and do not wick
• Wearing dirty or sweaty socks for more than a day
• Wearing sweaty or damp sneakers

If your feet itch, have red, blotchy patches, or damp, flaking skin, then you may have a fungal infection. Our dermatologists can often diagnose athlete's foot by assessing these kinds of symptoms. To determine whether you have athlete's foot, we'll do a skin evaluation, and in some cases, we may take a biopsy for more serious conditions. At our practice, we perform what is known as a potassium hydroxide (KOH) exam. During this test, we scrape off a minor area of the infected skin and put it in a potassium hydroxide solution, which destroys the standard skin tissue in the biopsy and leaves the hyphae of the fungus unaffected, allowing us to diagnose the condition under a microscope.

Most people who get athlete's foot try store-bought topical antifungal medications, which can be an effective treatment in some cases. However, if these products don't eradicate the fungus and the infection continues or progresses, then we recommend scheduling an appointment with Clear Lake Dermatology. We offer several prescription medications that can treat the infection, such as prescription-strength antifungal creams or oral medications (like terbinafine, itraconazole, or fluconazole). Sometimes, we combine oral antibiotics with other treatment methods to heal infected blisters and prevent new blisters from growing. To accelerate healing, we highly recommend following a strict at-home routine: soaking your feet in saltwater or diluted vinegar and otherwise keeping them dry.

Can athlete's foot come back after it's been treated?
Yes, athlete's foot can recur even after successful treatment, especially if you're exposed to the same conditions that caused it initially. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so habits like walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms increase the risk of reinfection. To prevent it from coming back, it's crucial to keep your feet dry, wear breathable shoes, and use antifungal sprays or powders as a precaution. Regularly disinfecting your shoes and socks can also help reduce the likelihood of the fungus returning.

Is athlete's foot contagious to others in my household?
Athlete's foot is highly contagious and can spread through direct contact or by sharing surfaces and items like towels, shoes, or floors. To protect others in your home, avoid walking barefoot in shared spaces and wash your hands thoroughly after touching your feet. Using separate towels and regularly cleaning shower floors can also prevent the fungus from spreading. Encouraging everyone in the household to practice good foot hygiene is a smart preventive step.

Why does athlete's foot seem to worsen in summer?
Athlete's foot often worsens in the summer because heat and humidity create an ideal environment for fungus to thrive. Sweat builds up in socks and shoes, keeping your feet damp, which encourages fungal growth. Activities like swimming or visiting public pools can also increase exposure to the fungus. Staying proactive with foot hygiene, wearing moisture-wicking socks, and opting for sandals when possible, can help keep your feet healthy during warmer months.

Athlete's foot can present with mild to severe symptoms that come and go, though often worsening over time. Diagnosing the fungal infection and treating it will help prevent the condition from returning. If you suspect you have athlete's foot anywhere on your feet or between your nails and toes, please call Clear Lake Dermatology in League City or Webster, TX to schedule an appointment with our friendly staff. Both offices are located in the beautiful Clear Lake region south of Houston, TX.