Why Does My Athlete's Foot Keep Coming Back?

Athlete’s foot can be a challenging condition to manage, especially if it keeps coming back.

When you’ve tried over-the-counter treatments without success, you can rely on the high-quality foot care services we offer at Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons.

Board-certified podiatrist Kaveh Panahi, DPM, designs a treatment plan to clear an existing athlete’s foot infection. Dr. Panahi also provides the expert guidance you need to prevent the infection from recurring.

The story behind your athlete’s foot infection

Athlete’s foot is an infection that develops when dermatophytes — a type of fungus — enter your body through cracks or cuts in your feet.

The fungi thrive in dark, damp spaces like public showers, swimming pools, and gym locker rooms, and walking barefoot in these places increases your risk for an athlete’s foot infection.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itching
• Peeling skin
• Foul odor

Symptoms typically start in the bottom of your feet and the skin in between your toes. If you scratch the area and then touch another part of your body, you can potentially spread the infection.

Why your athlete’s foot keeps coming back

Dermatophytes are contagious, resilient fungi that can live on floors and personal items for quite some time.

Even if you clear an active infection, you can spread the fungus again by using contaminated towels, socks, or other items. Continuing to go barefoot in public places also increases your risk for recurrent infection.

Another reason athlete’s foot keeps coming back could be an infection that is improperly treated. 

 If you stopped using creams and other treatments as soon as your symptoms resolved, you may not have eliminated the fungus completely. Fungal spores can also lay dormant for a period of time and flare up into an infection later.

Professional tips for beating athlete’s foot for good

A consistent foot care routine is critical to preventing athlete’s foot. Dr. Panahi can review your current routine and suggest strategies you can use to keep your feet healthy and free of infection.

Here are tips to start using today:

1.Clean your feet daily

Sweaty feet are a breeding ground for fungal infections, so be sure to wash your feet every day using a gentle soap and warm water. Clean all of the skin, including in between each of your toes.

2. Dry and moisturize

Carefully dry your skin with a soft towel to remove excess moisture. It’s also a good idea to apply a high-quality moisturizer to your feet to prevent cracking.

3. Choose breathable footwear

Be mindful about your choice of shoes and socks. Invest in supportive, breathable footwear that wicks away sweat and moisture. It’s also important to have an extra set of shoes and socks nearby, so you change them if you sweat a lot or get caught in the rain.

4. Sanitize your footwear

Wash your socks and shoes regularly with a sanitizing agent to eliminate fungus and bad odors. Make sure that they are fully dry before putting them on your feet.

5. Follow through with your treatment

Ensure that you use any medications or creams that Dr. Panahi prescribes. Completing your full course of treatment is the only way to stop athlete’s foot from getting worse and coming back.

Call Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons in Peoria or Phoenix, Arizona, today to schedule an athlete’s foot consultation. You can also use our online feature to book an appointment.