Three Myths About Athlete's Foot

If you believe that you have athlete's foot, you don't need to deal with this unpleasant foot condition on your own. Instead, you should turn to your local podiatrist for help. They'll be able to ask questions about your symptoms, assess the severity of the issue, and treat it accordingly. There are lots of myths that are prevalent about athlete's foot so it's important that you're able to separate myths from facts. If you incorrectly assume that a myth is true, it may impede your decision to go seek help. Here are three myths about athlete's foot.

Myth: You Have To Be An Athlete 

The name of this foot condition can be a little misleading, as it may lead you to believe that you have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot. Some people may experience multiple bothersome symptoms of athlete's foot but assume that they don't have this condition because they don't play a sport or spend time exercising. The reality is that absolutely anyone can get athlete's foot. It's a fungal infection and if you come into contact with the fungus, you'll develop this condition.

Myth: It's Not Contagious

Some people erroneously believe that athlete's foot isn't contagious, and this can prompt them to behave in a reckless manner. If you have athlete's foot, the last thing you want to do is have it spread to a family member or even a stranger. Your podiatrist will explain that it's important to limit the risk of this fungus spreading while it's active on your feet. This means that you'll want to avoid visiting areas such as swimming pools, and you should also try to avoid walking barefoot throughout your home. If you have to visit a gym, be sure to wear sandals when you're taking a shower.

Myth: It Will Keep Coming Back

While it's true that some people can suffer from athlete's foot on and off for years, you don't have to feel that you'll face this reality. People can play a major role in preventing the return of athlete's foot — provided that they take the right approach. This fungus thrives in damp environments, so you'll want to keep your feet dry. Using talcum powder can help, as can changing your socks. When possible, sandals can be ideal as they keep your feet exposed to the air and thus dry compared to most shoes. Reach out to a podiatrist in your area for help with your athlete's foot.