So you have been good and going to the gym. You have been really working on your New Year’s resolutions this year.
Good for you!
But what about that burning and itching between your toes? What is going on there? Don’t tell me that you forgot the most important thing to take to the gym? No, I am not talking about that work out shirt that makes you look so good. I am talking about shower shoes. You have not been using the showers at the gym in your bare feet, right?
Oh, you have been. First off, get some shower shoes. They can be flip flops or those shower or pool shoes. Just make sure that your feet are not touching the floor.
You see, the floor in the gym shower is the perfect environment for the athlete’s foot fungus to grow and thrive. It is also a great spot for the fungus that also likes to live under your toe nail.
So, this is what we want you to do. When you finish your workout take off your shoes and socks and without putting your foot on the floor, slip on flip flops or shower shoes. If you are a bit klutzy like me, make it a game with yourself – the no toes touching the floor game. After your shower, really take the time to dry your feet. Dry between the toes and put your socks on without putting your foot on the floor. Sound a bit extreme? How do those itchy, burning toes feel? Maybe it is worth it…
But what are you doing to do about the itchy burning rash? That depends on a couple of factors. If you are diabetic or have any nerve damage in your feet, I want you to go to your friendly local podiatrist. I know, it is just athlete’s foot, why go to the doctor? Well, because you are special. Yes, you are. Your feet are at a higher risk than most and I want you to make sure you take care of them. Go to the doctor and follow the instructions.
If you are not diabetic or have any nerve damage in your feet, then you can start by taking a trip to the drug store. There are over the counter medicines that can help you. You want to get a medicine that has an active ingredient that will kill the fungus. You can select from the following:
1. Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)
2. Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
3. Miconazole (Desenex, Zeasorb)
4. Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
5. Tolnaftate (Tinactin, Ting)
Please read and use the product you choose according to the directions. If you don’t understand the directions or have any question about the directions, ask the pharmacist. They should be able to help you.
Use the medicine, keep your feet off the gym locker room floor, and keep the area between your toes dry and you should be in better shape soon.
If your foot seems to react poorly to the medication (a rash develops) or you notice that your foot is red and swollen, call your friendly local podiatrist immediately. If you are running a fever, call your podiatrist. You need to get that checked out. When you have athlete’s foot, you are susceptible to other infections. Don’t wait to get checked.
Congratulations again for going to the gym!
Your Pal,
Foot Blogger Chick
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