Fungus Specialist

What is fungus?

Foot fungus, also known as athlete's foot, is a fungal skin infection that often appears between your toes. Fungus can also develop within your toenails, causing discoloration and other unsightly symptoms. Associated Foot Specialists can get rid of fungus that doesn’t go away with at-home treatments.

What are the signs and symptoms of fungus?

If you have foot or nail fungus, you may notice the following signs or symptoms:

• Itchy or scaly skin
• Peeling skin
• Cracked skin between your toes
• Inflammation
• Skin discoloration 
• Burning 
• Stinging
• Blisters
• Dry skin
• Thickened nails
• White or yellow nails
• Crumbly, brittle, or ragged nails
• Irregularly shaped nails
• Foul-smelling feet or nails
• Dark-colored nails

See your podiatrist at the first sign of fungus to eliminate unpleasant symptoms and restore the health of your skin and nails.

What are the risk factors for fungus?

Fungus in the feet or nails can happen to anyone, but some factors increase your risk of getting and spreading fungus. Examples include:

• Sweating heavily
• Wearing footwear that doesn’t breathe well
• Sharing bed linens, mats, rugs, or shoes
• Walking barefoot in public places
• Psoriasis
• Diabetes
• Weakened immune system
• Circulation problems

Walking without shoes in locker rooms, swimming pool areas, saunas, and communal showers increases your risk of developing foot fungus, nail fungus, and warts. 

How does my podiatrist diagnose fungus?

To find out if you have foot or nail fungus, your podiatrist reviews your medical history, lifestyle habits, and symptoms with you. They examine your feet, toes, and nails and might obtain skin or nail scrapings for lab analysis before making a final diagnosis.

How are foot and nail fungus treated?

Common treatments for foot and nail fungus include:

Medications

Using prescription-strength ointments, creams, antifungal pills, medicated nail polish, or medicated nail creams can get rid of unpleasant fungus and restore foot and nail health.

Lifestyle changes

Things you can do at home to reduce fungus include keeping your feet clean and dry, not walking barefoot in communal areas, using over-the-counter antifungal products, and wearing well-ventilated shoes. Wash your shoes often, change your socks regularly, and avoid sharing shoes and other personal items. Trim your toenails regularly and keep them clean. 

If you develop foot or nail fungus, schedule an appointment with Associated Foot Specialists by phone or online today.