The National Health Service has issued a fresh alert on its official website, drawing public attention to a widespread and often persistent fungal foot infection. Health experts stress that seeking prompt treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from spreading to other areas.
Recognising Athlete's Foot: Symptoms and Risks
The NHS describes athlete's foot as a common fungal infection affecting the skin on the feet. While antifungal treatments available from pharmacies can manage it, the infection is known for recurring frequently. If left untreated, it can spread to the toenails, leading to a more severe and stubborn fungal nail infection.
You are at a higher risk of contracting athlete's foot if you frequently walk barefoot in communal areas like gym changing rooms or showers, come into contact with the affected skin of someone with the infection, have persistently wet or sweaty feet, or have any broken or damaged skin on your feet.
Key Symptoms to Watch For
The health service lists several clear signs that indicate you may have developed athlete's foot. The most common symptom is itchy white patches between the toes. You may also notice sore, flaky patches on your feet; the skin can appear red, though this redness may be less noticeable on brown or black skin.
Other symptoms include skin that becomes cracked or bleeds, and the development of fluid-filled blisters on the soles or sides of the feet. It is advisable to seek help promptly. Although not a medical emergency, the NHS explicitly warns that "if it's not treated, the infection can spread to your toenails".
When and How to Seek Treatment
The NHS advises that it is "unlikely" the infection will clear up on its own. The first port of call should be your local pharmacy, where you can obtain antifungal medicines in the form of creams, sprays, or powders. These treatments typically require a few weeks of consistent use to be fully effective.
You should book an appointment to see a GP if over-the-counter treatments from a pharmacy fail to work, if you are in significant pain, or if you notice signs of a more serious infection. These signs include your foot or leg becoming hot, painful, and red (again, redness may be less visible on darker skin tones).
It is also vital to consult a doctor if the infection spreads to other body parts like your hands, or if you have underlying health conditions such as diabetes or a weakened immune system from treatments like chemotherapy, as foot problems can become more serious in these cases.
Preventing Reinfection
To prevent catching or spreading athlete's foot, the NHS recommends a series of simple but effective hygiene measures. You should thoroughly dry your feet after washing them, dabbing gently between the toes. Use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly, and wear clean cotton socks daily.
Actions to avoid include scratching the affected skin, walking barefoot in public areas (wear flip-flops instead), and sharing towels, socks, or shoes. Furthermore, do not wear the same pair of shoes for more than two or three days in a row, and avoid footwear that causes your feet to become hot and sweaty.
