Foot Fungal Infection Doctors
Foot fungus can affect the skin and nails on your foot, causing itching, burning, cracking, stinging and blistering. Overall, it can create an uncomfortable experience for you — and others if passed along. With Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates, you can learn what foot fungus is, how it is treated and how to best prevent it in the first place.
What Is Foot Fungus?
A foot fungus is an infection caused by germs that live in the dead cells of your skin, nails and hair. There are several forms of foot fungus — more than 80, which is more than other parts of the body. This is because your feet are more susceptible to being in areas where fungi grow — dark, warm, moist places like your shoes.
Foot fungal infections can spread through tiny cracks in your skin if your bare feet come into contact with fungi. This can happen in changing rooms, public pools, showers or other common areas. Bedsheets and towels also pose a risk.
How to Know If You Have a Fungal Foot Infection
Various characteristics can identify different types of foot fungi. Skin infections can have symptoms other than nail fungus.
Of foot fungal skin conditions, athlete’s foot is the most common. Up to 25% of people will get this infection at some point in their lives, and given its name, it is found mostly among athletes. If you are experiencing itching or burning sensations between your toes, dry or scaly skin that cracks or discolored toenails, you may have a foot fungal infection.
Toenails with a fungus may start to look yellow and can get buildup underneath, separating the nail from the nail bed. If left untreated, an itchy, burning rash can form on the surrounding infected skin of your toe.
When Foot Fungus Requires Medical Attention
Very mild cases of athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) ointments and creams, but there can come a point when you need to seek professional help to manage the foot fungus. The following are among the top reasons to reach out to a podiatrist:
- Worsening skin rash: If your foot fungal infection does not clear or worsens with OTC treatments within a week or two, seek an evaluation.
- Swollen feet: Your feet can swell up, become hot to the touch or be generally painful, which can be signs of cellulitis.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, seek help as soon as you suspect a foot fungus, as it can become increasingly worse with high glucose levels.
- Immune system disorders: If you are immunocompromised, a foot fungal infection can break down your skin, causing further complications.
Prevention for Foot Fungal Infections
Follow these tips for the general prevention of foot fungal infections:
- Wear shoes in public areas, including shower shoes in locker room showers.
- Wash and dry your feet each day.
- Wear socks with natural fabrics, such as cotton wool material, and change them regularly.
- Alternate shoes each day.
- Keep your nails trimmed and clean.
Foot Fungus Treatment at Foot & Ankle Surgical Associates
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An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC
An affiliate of FASA Family Wellness PLLC