4 Ways to Take Care of Your Diabetic Feet at Home
When you’re living with diabetes, the power to prevent serious foot complications lies in your hands. Doing these four things goes a long way toward keeping your feet healthy.
Athletes Feet Vs. Dry Skin Conditions
When it comes to something strange on your foot that puts you in discomfort and makes you worried about possible harmful causes, you deserve to know what it is, does it need to be treated, and what you should do. Dry skin and Athletes Foot are two very common issues, one should be treated right away, and the other may simply need a nice lotion, and some time off the feet.
At Vittori Foot & Ankle, we strive to provide each one of our patients with information and assistance through all foot and ankle related injuries. Knowing the truth from a professional versus taking a deep dive down the web not only provides you with answers that you can trust in, but it also eases your mind. Keep reading to learn about the differences between athletes’ foot and dry skin.
What is Athletes Foot?
Athletes Foot isn’t something people can just catch. It is a name for when the foot comes into contact with a fungus. Athletes Foot develops when a fungus has caused an infection. The fungus thrives in dark and moist areas and can be easily transferred from person to person if the proper precautions are not taken into account.
The fungus that gives someone athletes foot usually takes place in those who have wet feet and do not properly dry them before putting on a sock, shoe, or even covering their feet in a blanket before going to bed. This fungus can develop by dipping your feet into a lake, jumping in puddles on rainy days, when your socks and shoes get wet, and stepping barefoot in public areas such as common showers. All of these situations help the fungus develop, take root, and spread if your feet are not dried.
Symptoms of Athletes Foot
The signs and symptoms of Athletes Foot vary and can take place in any area of the foot. The main symptoms include a scaly like rash that causes itching, stinging, and burning when other materials come into contact with the foo. The pain can be mild or intense, depending on the severity of the rash and if it has been treated.
How To Avoid Athletes Foot
Always keep your feet dry and protected. For athletes and pool lovers, it is common for this fungus to spread as showers in locker and changing rooms are often shared; during these types of situations, it is important to always wear flip flops while showering. For those who are in constant contact with water during activities or work, it is important that you keep your socks, shoes, and feet dry at all costs. Unfortunately, those who suffer from high amounts of foot sweat, it is also critical that you rinse and thoroughly dry your feet often.
What is Dry Skin?
Dry skin is a very uncomfortable condition often characterized by scaling, itching, tingling, and cracking. Dry skin can happen all over the foot and can be caused by a wide array of reasons. Some people have a condition where their skin is naturally dry, and this is easily recognizable. Others can develop dry skin from time to time.
How To Avoid Dry Skin
Avoiding dry skin can, at times, be tricky. Since you are always on our feet going about your day, it is essential to remember that you also need to take some time for yourself and put them up for a bit. Dry skin can usually be avoided by constant moisturizing and resting your feet. Those with naturally dry skin should consult Vittori Foot & Ankle for treatment options that can help alleviate constant discomfort.
The Difference Between Athletes Foot and Dry Skin
Now that you know a little bit about each condition, it’s time to understand what the big difference between Athletes Foot and dry skin is. Identifying one from the other can be tricky at times by yourself; this is due to the main symptoms of both including itching, discomfort, a burning sensation, and a bit of a tingle.
The main difference between Athletes Foot and dry skin is the affected area. Athletes’ foot looks more like a rash, often identified as a ring of dry skin that is commonly located on either side of the foot, around the heel, and between the toes. Dry skin often occurs on the heel, under the toes, and sometimes on top of the foot. It is easy to think of an athlete’s foot as just dry skin in the early stages before it develops into a rash.
Why it is Important to See a Podiatrist
As we mentioned above, in the early stages, Athletes Foot can look and feel very similar to dry skin. The medical treatments for dry skin are not as intense as those for Athletes Foot. If left for too long, the fungus will grow and make something as simple as walking feel like you are taking a stroll on fire. You use your feet every day; it is better to be sure than to wait and let the infection progress.
Treatment options for Athletes Foot can include over the counter creams and sprays, but for more extreme cases, medical prescriptions are often needed. When you come intoVittori Foot & Ankle, we will inspect the affected areas and give you a proper and professional diagnosis. Our team will also take the time you deserve to teach you about different ways that you can avoid any future problems with Athletes Foot and dry skin.
Choose a Podiatry Clinic That Cares
Day after day, we at Vittori Foot & Ankle go above and beyond for our patients to ensure that their feet are healthy and happy around the clock. Your feet are important, and they deserve to be taken care of. Stay tuned for more upcoming blog posts where you can learn about common foot injuries, what makes Vittori Foot & Ankle stand out, and see new and innovative foot care options. If you or someone you love is suspected of suffering from Athletes Foot or dry skin, contact Vittori Foot & Ankle today and get the answers and treatment you need!
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