Home Sitemap Links

• Services
  • Veterans Affairs
  • Medicare (EPC)
  • General Routine Podiatry
  • Paediatrics (children's feet)
  • Diabetic Care
• Our Podiatrists
  • Gavin Garton
  • Chris Mitchell
• Foot Disorders
  • Orthotic Therapy
  • Heel Pain
  • Ingrowing Toenails
  • Corns & Calluses
  • Dry Skin & Cracked Heels
  • Plantar Warts
  • Fungal & Bacterial Conditions
• Contact Us

You are here -> Foot Disorders -> Fungal & Bacterial Conditions

Fungal & Bacterial Conditions

Athlete's foot or Tinea Pedis is a skin infection in the foot caused by a fungus. The fungus that causes tinea pedis is called Trichophyton. When the feet, or other areas of the body, stay moist, warm and irritated, this fungus can thrive and infect the upper layer of the skin.

The skin may flake split or peel and is generally itchy and burns, and more commonly this appears between the toes. In severe cases the skin can also have a bacterial infection, in this case anti-biotics can be sought. Tinea is easily contract able in today's affluent society where the feet constantly in shoes that provides the necessary warmth and moisture for the fungi to flourish. The most common place to catch a fungus includes communal shower, bathing facilities and from the dirt in the garden.

Treatment for fungal infections is progressive as fungal spores have to be eliminated for the condition to improve. Good foot hygiene, use of topical creams and oral antifungals provide a good basis to treat this annoying bug.

Bacterial infections in the foot are many and varied, they usually result in red, swollen, painful areas on the foot.

Common infections include:

• Paronychia-infection around the nail

• Cellulites - tissue infection anywhere in the foot or leg

• Osteomyelitis - infection of the bone tissue

Diabetic patients especially should avoid open wounds as infection can lead to ulceration and further complications. Seek a professional opinion at Kingsway Podiatry to reduce complications of any fungal or bacterial infections.