Montreal experiences a humid climate, which means that it remains humid throughout the year. Now, this makes it the perfect breeding ground for fungi. Doing daily chores, going to work, exercising, visiting a restaurant, no matter what we do, our feet bear the brunt of everyday hard work and toiling. Little do we pay heed to taking good care of our feet. But do you know that wearing a shoe all day long makes the feet exposed to a warm and moist environment at all times, and this has an adverse effect on the upper layer of the foot skin? You get affected by Athlete’s foot, a kind of fungal infection that causes burning, itching, or stinging sensations and flaky skin texture. Without proper Athlete’s Foot treatment, the condition worsens, making it difficult for you to walk without a limp.
0.75% of people who walk barefoot do not get affected by Athlete’s Foot, also known as tinea pedis. Having said that, a study has shown that almost 70% of people in their lifetime are going to have Athlete’s Foot. So, maintaining hygiene and taking good care of your feet are the only ways to mitigate the possibility of developing this skin condition.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
If you want to know what Athlete’s Foot is, you have to go to the root of the matter.
It is caused by dermatophytes, a fungus that thrives and grows in warm and moist environments. This group of fungi is often found in shoes worn for a long time, swimming pools, locker rooms, saunas, etc. This skin disorder is extremely contagious and can spread to another person on the slightest contact with the infected person. Even contaminated surfaces can spread Athlete’s Foot. It starts from the toes and may spread to other parts of the feet.
In dire situations, the condition may even spread to the hands; then it comes to be known as tinea manuum. If you have scratched the infected feet and then touched your hands or have used the same towel for your hands and feet, you are likely to develop Athlete’s Foot on your hands.
Athlete’s Foot can occur in both adults and children. Those with a weakened immune system should not wait for home remedies to cure the disorder and must visit the doctor for Athlete’s Foot in Montreal right away.
The infection has several types. While some may be cured with home remedies, others may require immediate medical attention.
Toe Web
This is the most common type of Athlete’s Foot and often occurs between the skin of the fourth and fifth toes. The Toe Web becomes prominent if your skin is changing color, peeling, getting cracked, or flaking.
Moccasin
The impact is seen on the heels and soles, along with the edges of the feet. The onset of Moccasin is identified by initial soreness, and then the skin on the soles starts thickening and cracking. In extreme cases, even the toenails get infected, with thickening, cracking, or entirely breaking.
Vesicular
Starting from the soles and occurring anywhere on the feet, Vesicular will result in fluid-filled blisters and bumps.
Ulcerative
This is the rarest of all and causes ulcers or open sores between the toes. The condition is extremely painful and may even spread to the soles.
Each of the above types is equally serious. You can try home cures for Athlete’s Foot fungus first, but if they do not show results, go to your nearest clinic in Montreal right away.
What Are the Causes of Athlete’s Foot?
While anyone may suffer from this skin condition, there are some situations that increase the likeliness. Here are the most common causes of developing an Athlete’s Foot:
- If you are frequently visiting showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms barefoot
- If you have worn someone’s footwear who already has the fungal infection
- If you wear tight and closed-toe shoes daily for a long period of time
- If you have a tendency to keep your feet wet constantly
- If you have the condition of hyperhidrosis or sweaty feet
- If you have been ignoring minor skin or nail injuries on your feet for a long time
People over the age of 60, especially males, are prone to developing Athlete’s Foot. And the condition is not that uncommon. It has been seen that approximately 3% to 15% of the population has had to deal with Athlete’s Foot at some point in their lives. Diabetes and obesity worsen the condition, and you must visit the doctor right away to know how to treat Athlete’s Foot and to bring the situation under control.
In Montreal, the weather remains humid all throughout the year, which leads to the accumulation of sweat in the feet, especially if you are wearing closed footwear. The propensity to developing athlete’s foot increases in the winter and the rainy months, when the snow and rainfall increase humidity in the air, and dampness is rampant.
But before that, you have to recognize the symptoms and identify them as the onset of Athlete’s Foot.
What Are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?
Managing to recognize the symptoms early helps bring the situation under control without much hassle. Doctors often send a scraping of your skin to the lab for testing to know how severe the condition is. Depending on that, the treatment is suggested. But in order to visit the doctor, you have to be on the lookout for these Athlete’s Foot symptoms:
Itching and Burning Sensation
This is one of the primary symptoms and mostly occurs between the toes.
Redness and Scaling
Notice for signs of redness or scaly skin, which may appear dry and cracked.
Fluid-filled Blisters
The pus-filled blisters can burst and result in open sores, increasing the risk of infection.
Distinct Odor
Sweat coming in contact with foot fungus gives off a distinct odor.
Thickened Skin
The infected parts start having rough and thickened skin, which worsens if not treated.
These are the common symptoms, but if not noticed and treated right away, it is likely that you are going to develop other secondary fungal infections. Cracked skin and open blisters foster bacterial growth and worsen the skin condition. And if further neglected, the skin condition spreads to toenails and even other parts of the body.
This is where you initiate self-measures for Athlete’s Foot fungus treatment. It is advisable that you go to a clinic and see a doctor if home remedies are not showing any results.
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot in Montreal: Home Remedies
If home remedies for Athlete’s Foot and over-the-counter antifungal medications are introduced right after the onset of the first symptom, you may not have to visit the doctor’s clinic. But again, do we even notice the condition of our feet often?
Let us take a look at some remedies you can try.
Over-the-counter Treatments
If you have been diagnosed with Athlete’s foot before and are aware of the symptoms, you can opt for OTC medication. These medicines are great for treating Athlete’s Foot and must be applied directly over the affected area. It is advisable that you use these Athlete’s Foot creams and ointments even after a week of curing the problem so as to keep the infection from returning. You can use:
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
- Miconazole (Desenex)
- Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
Hydrogen Peroxide
The main purpose of hydrogen peroxide is to disinfect the surface and eliminate all bacteria, fungi, or any other infectious substances. You can pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected part, but do so slowly and in small quantities to avoid burning sensations. The initial stinging will last for a short time, so do not worry about that. Apply twice daily until the signs of infection are gone. But stop if you experience unbearable pain or skin redness.
Tea Tree Oil
With antifungal and antibacterial properties, tea tree oil is highly effective in treating mild conditions of Athlete’s Foot. But remember not to apply the oil directly on the affected area; consider mixing it with a carrier oil such as coconut oil. Unless you feel irritation on the skin, dab cotton swabs in the mixture and apply twice every day.
Neem Oil
The antifungal properties of the neem oil help treat the flaky and irritated skin between the toes. Mix it with a carrier oil to apply on the affected skin, but you can also use the oil directly if it does not cause any redness or stinging sensation. Also, this oil is extremely effective against Athlete’s Foot that have spread to the toenails, but one has to use it for quite a long period of time to get results out of this home remedy.
Alcohol
One of the most effective cures for Athlete’s Foot fungus, rubbing alcohol on the soles or between the toes, works extremely well in killing the fungus and bacteria. It can either be applied directly, or you can make a solution with 70% alcohol and 30% water to soak your feet daily for half an hour.
Garlic
Fresh garlic is known for having strong antibacterial and antifungal properties and thus can clear the infection. Crush 4-5 cloves of garlic to make a paste, which needs to be applied directly on the affected areas twice a day.
Sea Salt Baths
Sea salts have properties to clear infections. Give your feet a comfortable bath of 20 minutes by dissolving 1 cup of sea salt in a bucket of warm water. But remember to dry your feet well, especially the parts between the toes, before you wear socks or shoes.
Antifungal Spray or Talcum Powder
Antifungal spray will remove all fungus and bacteria from the feet and also prevent further fungal growth. Using this Athlete’s Foot spray will keep your feet sweat-free, even if you wear shoes for a prolonged period of time. In case you do not get antifungal powder, use talcum powder or baby powder to prevent the feet from sweating. But before applying the powder, make sure your feet are dry and clean.
Baking Soda
Sodium bicarbonate has strong antifungal properties. Make the foot soak with ½ cup of baking soda mixed with warm water, and soak your feet twice daily for 20 minutes. Afterwards, use a clean towel to remove the last trace of water.
Follow these measures for no more than two weeks. If the condition does not resolve within this span, make an appointment with the doctor’s clinic.
When to Visit a Doctor’s Clinic?
It is critical to remember that Athlete’s Foot can be a debilitating condition, and delaying professional treatment is not an option. As mentioned before, if home remedies prove ineffective, consult a doctor for Athlete’s Foot in Montreal immediately. This is especially true for those who have diabetes or obesity, or any other disease that weakens the immune system.
Do not let the foot infection get out of control. Immediate medical attention is called for if:
- Redness spreads beyond the affected area.
- Blisters fill with pus and then burst
- There is excessive swelling of toes or other parts of the feet.
- You have a fever accompanied by unbearable pain.
These symptoms are not to be neglected. Go to a clinic right away for diagnosis, where the doctor will guide you on the right course of action. But make sure to follow everything prescribed if you want to heal in the shortest time possible. Over the days, itchiness and irritation will fade, and then once you are done with the entire course of Athlete’s Foot fungus treatment, fungal and bacterial growth will be nipped in the bud.
It is essential that you visit a professional clinic for the treatment of Athlete’s Foot because:
- There will be an accurate diagnosis, with the doctors striving to get to the root of the problem.
- You will be prescribed stronger and more effective medications than the over-the-counter ones.
- You will receive a personalized treatment plan based solely on your condition
- The doctor will educate you on appropriate foot hygiene so as to prevent Athlete’s Foot from recurring.
- There will be monitoring of the progress and a follow-up treatment plan if needed.
Following every step meticulously will cure Athlete’s Foot. So, be cautious and go to a clinic before it is too late.
How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot?
Besides using the home remedies for Athlete’s Foot prevention, you also have to pay attention to a few preventive steps that will keep the condition from recurring and further spreading.
Wear flip-flops or sandals to locker rooms, public showers, or swimming pools to minimize direct contact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
Keep your feet dry and clean at all times, especially after bathing or using a foot soak. A damp and moist skin surface is ideal for fungal growth, so prevent it at all costs.
Use breathable footwear made of leather or mesh so that there is better air circulation, minimal moisture buildup, and prevention of further fungal growth.
Do not walk barefoot in public spaces that have damp floors, as these areas may be prone to spreading fungal infections.
Make sure that your feet are clean and dry before you put on socks and shoes. Use powder on the soles if need be.
In Conclusion
Do not let Athlete’s foot get in the way of a healthy life. Implement a comprehensive approach for Athlete’s Foot treatment. While a doctor’s discretion is definitely needed, you have to be mindful of maintaining personal hygiene and keeping your feet dry and clean. Good lifestyle habits and using the right foot care products will keep the skin supple and healthy, and there will be no scope for fungal or bacterial growth.
And if ample prevention and home treatments don’t help, do not fret! Our podiatry clinic in Montreal is just a call away. No need for a referral, just get in touch with us and we will schedule an appointment at the earliest. With our experienced podiatrists, you will be walking with ease in no time.