Fungal infections of the foot can affect either the skin or toenails. Our podiatrists can assist in diagnosis and then discuss your treatment options as there are usually several ways to address such infections.
For example, athlete's foot or Tinea Pedis is a common and contagious skin infection in the foot caused by a fungus called Trichophyton. It more commonly this appears between the toes. When the feet (or sometimes 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. Tinea is easily contract able in today's society where the feet are constantly in shoes. This provides the necessary warmth and moisture for the fungi to flourish. The most common place to catch a fungus includes communal showers and bathing facilities.
The skin can also have a bacterial infection, which can be mistaken for tinea. In some more severe cases where antiseptics fail, antibiotics can be sought.
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
- Erythrasma - bacterial infection in the skin folds, especially between toes
- Cellulitis - tissue infection anywhere in the foot or leg
- Osteomyelitis - infection of the bone
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.
