Fungal Infections of the skin and nails are found commonly in people who frequent places that are warm and moist. Athlete’s foot which is also known as Tinea Pedis is a Fungal Infection of the skin and Onychomycosis is also known as a fungal nail infection.
How do they form?
Infection usually occurs when there is an overgrowth of fungus in the skin/nail or when people come into contact with an infected surface or environment.
Who do they affect?
- Anyone of any age can suffer from Athlete’s foot
- Immunosuppressed people are at a greater risk
- There is also an increased risk following a nail injury
- Affects anyone who comes into contact with an infected surface or environment
- Commonly affects people who go to the gym, swimming pools and sports locker rooms
- Increased risk in people who sweat a lot
What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection?
- The nail starts looking yellow which streaks of white and brown.
- The nail appears chalky in some places
- The nail separates from the skin under the nail
- The affected area becomes brittle and breaks easily
Symptoms of the Athlete’s Foot/Tinea pedis infection?
- Infection in the skin between the toes or across the foot, under the arches and around the heels
- People may present with itching, cracking and scaling between the toes, and/or around the foot
- Peeling of the whole foot accompanied by redness
What are the treatments offered at Randell’s Footcare
- We can diagnose the type of infection, this can be made through visual examination and assessing the history of how it started. When appropriate we may send a sample to the lab for identification through a PCR test to confirm diagnosis. The skin can also be tested using a swab sample
- We can reduce the nails to near-normal thickness
- We may also provide topical medication in the form of drops/oil/cream/sprays
- Advise oral antifungal medication from the GP if necessary
- Advise on footwear, socks and bathing
Ways to prevent Fungal skin infections
- Wear shoes like flip-flops when walking around public areas like swimming pools, gyms and sports locker rooms as protection
- Wash your feet every day and make sure that you dry them properly, not forgetting in between your toes
- Wear clean socks and shoes every day
- Let your washed socks and shoes air dry outside in the sun
- Do not share personal items like socks and shoes
Ways to prevent Fungal nail Infections
- Do not walk barefoot in public spaces
- Keep your nails short and clean
- Do not share nail nippers with other people and also make sure to clean them after and before use
- Stop wearing tight shoes
Are you concerned about nail infections or athletes’ foot? Contact us today to seek our expert Podiatrist care.
