Athlete's Foot Treatment in Las Vegas, Nevada

That relentless itch and burn between the toes has a name: athlete's foot. And in a climate like Las Vegas, where feet spend long days in hot, closed shoes, it's one of the most common complaints we see. The good news: it's very treatable once you stop guessing and get the right diagnosis.

What is athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that lives only on the feet. It picked up its name in locker rooms, pools, and shared showers, where fungus thrives but you don't have to be an athlete or set foot in a gym to catch it. Any warm, dark, damp environment will do, and the inside of a sweaty shoe on a 105-degree afternoon is close to ideal.

What athlete's foot feels and looks like

Athlete's foot shows up in a number of ways, including:

• Itching, especially between the toes
• Burning between the toes
• Blisters
• Cracked skin
• Dry, flaky skin
• Scaly skin that peels
• Red, inflamed skin
• Swelling around the toes

It's usually worst between the toes but can spread to the soles and toenails. If you scratch and then touch skin elsewhere, it can travel to other parts of your body.

How we clear up athlete's foot

Your Eastern Podiatry doctor confirms the diagnosis with a proper exam (a lot of what looks like athlete's foot could actually be something else) and then matches the treatment to the severity. Mild cases may only need an over-the-counter antifungal; tougher ones call for a prescription-strength ointment, and the most stubborn cases may need an oral antifungal.

Keeping it from coming back

• Wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes
• Wear sandals or shoes in gyms, pools, and public showers
• Use antifungal powder to cut down moisture
• Never re-wear damp socks
• Swap out socks and shoes when they get sweaty
• Choose moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is athlete's foot contagious?

Yes. It spreads by direct contact and through floors, towels, socks, and shoes. Protective footwear in shared spaces lowers your risk.

Why does it keep coming back?

Usually re-exposure or fungus lingering in your shoes. Treating your footwear, keeping feet dry, and finishing the full course of treatment breaks the cycle.

When should I see a podiatrist instead of using a store cream?

If it doesn't clear in two weeks, keeps returning, spreads to the nails, or you have diabetes or poor circulation, come in for prescription-strength care.

Can athlete's foot cause a nail infection?

Yes. Untreated, it can spread to the toenails and become toenail fungus, which is harder to treat. Address the skin infection early.

Related Services

Toenail Fungus  |  Diabetic Foot Care  |  Warts

Request an appointment.

Call Eastern Podiatry at (702) 434-2023 or request online. 3777 Pecos-McLeod Interconnect, Suite 103, Las Vegas, NV 89121. Mon–Fri, 8 AM–5 PM.