Athlete’s Foot in Columbus, OH

Do your feet itch and burn? Chances are that you have athlete’s foot. The good news is that teenagers and adults in the Greater Columbus area can rely on the expertise of board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham for effective treatment of their athlete’s foot.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Known as “tinea pedis,” athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically begins between the toes. Most of our patients who have the condition experience higher levels of sweat on their feet and wear shoes that are too tight or poor fitting. The condition is contagious in nature, so you most likely contracted it from a gym or other public area by way of a dirty towel, someone else’s clothing or the floor of the locker room. As the condition develops, it can spread to other parts of your feet. Non-prescription medications may effectively treat mild cases of athlete’s foot, but it is very likely that the symptoms will return or not be effectively controlled. Treatment by a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to treat and manage athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment Benefits

Athlete’s foot can be a painful condition if it is not properly managed. In the early stages, athlete’s foot makes your feet itch, burn, and sting. As the condition worsens, you may develop ulcers and blisters. Treatment also helps prevent spreading the fungus to other parts of your feet and to other people.

Can Athlete’s Foot Spread to Other Areas?

Despite the name, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot can spread to your hands if you touch or scratch the affected part of your feet. As a board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Hicks-Graham can effectively treat the fungal infection on your feet, hands and other affected areas.

What Can I Expect From Athlete’s Foot Treatment?

With athlete’s foot treatment by Dr. Hicks-Graham, you can expect to not only manage the symptoms of the condition but also reduce the likelihood of a recurrence. Treatment may involve using topical applications, such as sprays, ointments, creams or powders. If you have ulcers as a result of your athlete’s foot, Dr. Hicks-Graham may prescribe an oral medication.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment Preparation

Limiting the severity of your athlete’s foot is the best way to prepare for treatment. We recommend that you take precautions when you are in public areas. Keep your feet protected from the floors by wearing a personal pair of flip-flops, sandals or slippers, especially when using a public shower. If you have athlete’s foot, make sure that no one uses your towel or wears your socks or shoes. You should wash your hands immediately after touching your feet, socks, towels and other materials that may come in contact with the area of skin. In some cases, Dr. Hicks-Graham has recommended that patients replace their shoes with ones that fit properly.

Athlete’s Foot Treatment Recovery

Recovery from having athlete’s foot can take some time. You should use the topical and oral medications as prescribed and protect your feet from being re-exposed to the athlete’s foot fungus. Avoid scratching and rubbing the skin until Dr. Hicks-Graham determines that the condition has been fully treated.

How Much Does Athlete’s Foot Treatment Cost?

Treatment for athlete’s foot by a board-certified dermatologist is typically covered by medical insurance. We can help you determine the level of coverage and your portion of the cost. Payment must be made at the time of your appointments. You can pay with cash, check or major credit card. Financing is available through CareCredit®, and you can apply before your consultation appointment.

Is Athlete’s Foot Treatment Right for Me?

If your feet itch, burn and sting, you may have athlete’s foot that needs to be treated. Non-prescription medications rarely control the fungus and only alleviate the symptoms. We recommend that you be evaluated by Dr. Hicks-Graham for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment for athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s Foot Consultation

Athlete’s foot can spread quickly to other parts of your feet and hands. If you have symptoms of athlete’s foot, such as a burning sensation and itching, contact us to schedule a consultation with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hicks-Graham.Sweating feet and exposure to public areas may place you at risk for developing athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that is difficult to manage on your own. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Shari Hicks-Graham specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of athlete’s foot for teenagers and adults in the Greater Columbus area.