Beach, pool, ice cream, and open sandals — there are many reasons to love the Israeli summer. But along with all the fun comes a particularly annoying phenomenon: Athlete’s foot. The itching that starts between the toes, the redness, peeling, and sometimes even the unpleasant odor — all are signs of a common fungal infection that worsens during the hot months.
The heat, humidity, and flip-flops that come with summer create ideal conditions for fungal infections on the feet. Why does it happen to us every summer, and how can it really be treated?
Why especially in summer?
Summer is the ultimate season for athlete’s foot, also called “athlete’s foot,” with three main causes:
· Humidity and sweat: The hot weather causes the feet to sweat more. The moisture accumulating inside shoes or socks creates the perfect environment for fungal growth.
· Closed shoes: Even when it’s hot, many continue to wear closed shoes throughout the day. Combined with damp socks, this is fertile ground for the fungus to appear.
· Public places: Pools, showers in gyms, and saunas are common infection hotspots, especially when walking barefoot in them.
How to recognize athlete’s foot?
It’s not always easy to identify fungal infections on the feet. Often people confuse it with dry skin or regular irritation. However, there are several prominent signs to watch out for:
Itching: An annoying itching sensation, especially between the toes, is one of the earliest and most common signs.
Redness: Red and irritated skin in the area between the toes or on the feet themselves.
Skin peeling: Mild peeling of the skin, especially between the toes or on the sole of the foot. Sometimes it looks like light flaking.
Small cracks: The appearance of small cracks in the skin, mainly between the toes or on the sides of the foot.
Increased dryness: A feeling of extreme dryness of the skin on the foot, sometimes accompanied by thicker peeling.
Small blisters: In some cases, small, itchy blisters appear.
If you notice one or more of these signs, it is important to treat it promptly to prevent spreading and worsening of the fungus.
How to treat athlete’s foot?
The first step in treatment is the use of a topical antifungal medication. There are creams, sprays, ointments, and gels containing different active ingredients: Clotrimazole, like in Bagistan Aloe Vera, terbinafine, miconazole, or nystatin. Topical antifungal medications can be purchased without a prescription. The products should be applied to the affected area and around it, according to the instructions for use.
Treatment of fungal infections does not end with medication alone. To prevent the fungus from returning again and again, it is important to maintain foot hygiene:
- Wash and dry the feet thoroughly, especially between the toes
- Change socks daily, preferring those made of cotton or moisture-wicking fabric
- Air out shoes, and avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row
- Avoid walking barefoot in pools, public showers, or gyms
- Occasionally disinfect shoes with antifungal spray, especially after a fungal infection
<br>When to see a doctor?
In most cases, athlete’s foot can be managed at home, but some situations require medical advice:
- If there is no improvement after a few weeks of topical treatment
- If the fungus spreads to other areas
- If signs of infection appear — such as severe redness, swelling, or purulent discharge
- If there is a history of diabetes or immune problems
- If the fungus recurs repeatedly
- Or if there is suspicion that it is another skin disease
In such cases, a dermatologist can make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe advanced treatment, including oral medications or special ointments.
In summary, athlete’s foot is indeed common, but it can be prevented and treated. The earlier you recognize it and combine proper treatment with daily hygiene, the sooner you will get rid of the itching, dryness, and discomfort, and return your feet to a healthy and fresh condition.