|
Athletes Foot and Feet Fungus
Athlete's foot typically affects the skin on the feet between the toes, but can move anywhere on the foot and can affect the toenails.
Athlete's foot is an infection of the skin and the nails, usually on the feet. The infection is usually found on the skin between the toes. Sometimes the fungal infection spreads to the toenails, which become thick and distorted. Fungi are plant organisms (tinea pedis) such as mold and mildew and grow best in conditions that are moist. Bacteria may thrive as a secondary infection, which worsens the symptoms of the disorder and makes it more difficult to cure. A fungal infection is one of the most difficult nail and foot conditions to treat.
It is common to catch athlete's foot from other people who have it by walking on floors that are moist or wet (e.g. at swimming pools and in shared bathroom facilities). Athlete's foot is also much more common in people who tend to have moist feet. Athlete's foot can also be spread by sharing other people's shoes or personal care items such as towels and wash cloths.
Athletes Foot and Fungus may spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails. It can be spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch the infection and then touch themselves elsewhere.
Symptoms include:
On the skin:
- Reddened, cracked, and peeling skin
- Some bleeding
- Itching
- Burning
- Stinging sensation
- Development of small blisters
(Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads. In severe cases the skin may thicken, like a callus, and begin to scale.)
On the toe nail:
- Change in color (yellow or brown)
- Nail gets thicker
- Bad odor
- Debris collects beneath the nail
- White marks on the nail
Treatment may include
High quality antibacterial shoes can go a long way to improve or prevent this condition.
There are a variety of products that can be used on the foot and toe nails that kill the tinea pedis fungus.
After a period of time, if products used for athlete's foot and fungus fail, topical or oral antifungal drugs, such as Sporonax or Lamisil, are usually prescribed by your Podiatrist.
Self-care treatments:
Bathe your feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly after bathing and keep your feet dry. Change socks frequently and buy socks that absorb moisture, such as cotton and wool. Expose your feet to the air for short periods of time throughout the day (do not walk barefoot, however). Wear a quality shoe style with more open areas, like the Brand Name Beach Dawgs whenever possible.
Prevention:
- Wear shoes when walking on moist or wet floors
- Don't share shoes or personal care items such as towels
- Wear socks made of absorbent materials such as cotton or wool
- Change socks frequently if you perspire heavily
- Wear Shoes that allow for the circulation of air
- Keep the floors in shared facilities clean and dry
- Keep your feet clean and dry by dusting Bromi-Talc Foot Powder in shoes and hose and feet
- Clean athletic shoes frequently with a quality product.
Fungal Nails
Fungal infection of toenails, called Onychomycosis, is a common foot health problem that many people do not recognize. Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms, such as molds and mildew, that do not require sunlight for growth. They easily attack the nail, thriving off keratin, the nail's protein substance.
Onychomycosis is an infection underneath the nail that can also penetrate the nail. If it is ignored, it could impair one's ability to work or even walk because it is frequently accompanied by thickening of the nails, which then cannot be easily trimmed, and may cause pain while wearing shoes. This disease can frequently be accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in/or about the nail plate.
Symptoms:
- Change in color (yellow or brown)
- Nail gets thicker
- Bad odor
- Debris collects beneath the nail
- White marks on the nail
- This infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin or even the fingernails.
Toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where people are likely to be walking barefoot - swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails.
There are a variety of products that can be used on the foot and toe nails that kill the tinea pedis fungus.
Prevention
Clean, dry feet resist disease. Wash the feet with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Beach StJohns should be worn in public areas, especially public showers. Shoes, socks and hosiery should be changed daily. Use a quality foot powder, talcum not cornstarch. Your shoes should fit well and be made of materials that offer your feet air to breathe.
Seeing your Podiatrist
Your Podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early. A suitable treatment plan may include prescribing topical or oral medication (such a Lamisil or Sporonax), and debridgement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail. Debridgment is one of the most common foot care procedures performed by DPMs. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.
|
