While the gym is a great place to get in shape and stay healthy, it can also be a place that harbors a number of fungi, viruses, and bacteria which can all cause skin infections. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that can thrive in places like gyms and locker rooms. Symptoms include redness, scaly skin, and itchiness. Over-the-counter topical creams can help treat it, but podiatrists can offer better treatments and care for chronic cases. Plantar warts are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) and can lead to tough, callus-like spots on the foot. It's highly recommended to see a podiatrist who can monitor the infection and prescribe treatment options for this potentially painful condition. Impetigo is a very contagious bacterial infection that causes sores to develop on the skin, which eventually break open. MRSA is another bacterial infection which causes painful, reddish, and pus-filled bumps to develop on the skin. Again, it is highly recommended to see a podiatrist if either one has developed on the foot since they both require medical observation and treatment.

Everyday foot care is very important to prevent infection and other foot ailments. If you need your feet checked, contact Dr. Sharon Pletcher from Pennsylvania. Our doctor can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Everyday Foot Care

Often, people take care of their bodies, face and hair more so than they do for their feet. But the feet are a very important aspect of our bodies, and one that we should pay more attention to. Without our feet, we would not be able to perform most daily tasks.

It is best to check your feet regularly to make sure there are no new bruises or cuts that you may not have noticed before. For dry feet, moisturizer can easily be a remedy and can be applied as often as necessary to the affected areas. Wearing shoes that fit well can also help you maintain good foot health, as well as making it easier to walk and do daily activities without the stress or pain of ill-fitting shoes, high heels, or even flip flops. Wearing clean socks with closed shoes is important to ensure that sweat and bacteria do not accumulate within the shoe. Clean socks help to prevent Athlete’s foot, fungi problems, bad odors, and can absorb sweat.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in State College, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.