Athlete’s Foot Treatment In Elderly Adults

Athlete’s foot is a condition of the foot that can affect any individual irrespective of their age or whether they are athletes or not. Athlete’s foot is quite common in elderly adult probably due to poor hygiene and poor health.

If you have an elderly adult or you are in charge of taking care of elderly adults and they are complaining about itching especially in the areas between the toes, then it will be wise to check the feet for signs of athlete’s foot.

Some of the signs of athlete’s foot include itching, burning sensation, pain, odor due to bacterial infection of the skin, dryness of the soles, cracked skin may occur.

Athlete’s foot in elderly adult is very different as a result of reduce or loss of feelings in their feet, weaken immune system. When an elderly adult starts complaining of itching and scratching of the feet, it could be far more complicated foot problem.

The best thing to do in this situation is to take your elderly to a podiatrist to properly check the foot to determine whether it is athlete’s foot or not. This is necessary because it may not only be athlete’s foot, there could be other foot condition besides athlete’s foot. After examination, a podiatrist could as well offer the right treatment for the condition.

In case of mild infection, over the counter (OTC) athlete’s foot medication may be proper.

Ordinarily, some cases of athlete’s foot go away without treatment. In most cases, this is not so in elderly adults as they usually notice the condition especially when it has gone to an advanced stage which will become difficult to go on its own, even with the use of some over the counter medication. This is why it is always advised to see a podiatrist for proper foot examination. Using over the counter medication should be temporary especially if you find it difficult to get access to a podiatrist.

To prevent athlete’s foot from developing to an advanced stage, it is wise to always check the feet of the elderly from time to time and also, take them to a podiatrist regularly. In other words, give the best possible foot care to your elderly adults.

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Prevent Athlete’s Foot With These Tips

Athlete’s foot can actually be prevented when you observe good foot cleanliness. By keeping your feet clean, you are making your feet unfavorable for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot to flourish.
Just in case you are interested in finding out ways to prevent athlete’s foot, here are tips to help you out.

• Ensure your feet is always clean. Wash your feet regularly with a good soap. Anti-fungal soaps can help you have fungus free feet. When washing your feet ensure you don’t forget the areas in between your toes as this is the areas where athlete’s foot fungus normally manifests.


• Dry your feet and ensure it stays dry after performing certain activities or after every daily routine. For example it is advisable to dry your feet after swimming, bathing, etc. Dry your feet with towel that has not been infected. One way to avoid using infected towel is to avoid using other people's towel or avoid sharing your towel with someone else. Don’t forget the areas in between your toes when drying your feet.

• The type of shoes you put on should be shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Scandals because of the spaces it has allow for more air to the feet. Rubber shoes or shoes made from synthetic materials can cause the feet to sweat; instead wear leather shoes.

• The type of socks you put on should be those that help to keep your feet dry. Socks made from cotton or cotton and wool can be very effective in keeping the feet dry. In case you are looking for products that help take out more sweats; I think you should try DRYMAX socks.


• Don’t put on footwear with tight fittings especially on hot days. This cause the feet to sweat more.

• You can use antifungal powder on foot to prevent athlete's foot fungus.


• Alternate your socks at least once or twice daily to keep the foot dry and to prevent athlete's foot fungus.


• Don't wear the same shoes daily; have different pairs to change or alternate daily and make sure they are properly dry before putting them on so as to keep your feet protected from fungus.


• Avoid using someone else's shoes, towels, socks, etc on your feet as you may be using a fungus infected material.

• Cover your feet especially with foot ware that cover the soles of your feet when out in public places so as to  prevent you from athlete's foot fungus.

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