Nail & Foot Fungus

Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot

What is Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot?


Nail and foot fungus and Athlete’s foot are fungal skin infections of the foot.

 

Fungal skin infections of the foot are pretty common conditions that may be mild enough to be pain-free or severe enough to cause pain and require medical attention.

 

Nail and foot fungus is the condition when the infection begins under the tip of the nail causing them to discolour and crumble.

 

If the fungal infection occurs between the toes, it is known as Athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot can be contagious.

Who Does Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot Affect?

These fungal infections can occur at any age but nail and foot fungus is more common in elderly people.


Athlete’s foot is more commonly occurring in athletes and people who wear tight-fitting shoes with sweaty feet. 


How Does Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot Occur?

Fungal infections occur in cases of low immunity or when feet are kept damp.

 

In older age, the nails crack due to drying out and becoming brittle. This allows fungi to enter the nail bed. Combined with reduced blood circulation and a weakened immune system, an infection can develop. 

Causes Of Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot?

Causes of nail and foot fungus and athlete’s foot include:

  • Tight Fitting shoes with damp socks due to sweaty feet,
  • Sharing personal clothes or shoes with someone who already has a fungal infection,
  • Lowered immune system and old age,
  • Diabetes, and
  • History of Athlete’s foot (it can become recurring).

Symptoms of Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot

The symptoms for nail and foot fungus include:

  • Discoloured nails with yellowish discolouration,
  • A foul odour of varying strength,
  • Nails appear brittle and distorted in shape, and
  • More than one nail is infected.

 

The symptoms of Athlete’s foot include:

  • A scaly red rash present between the toes, and
  • Itching once the damp socks and shoes are taken off


Stages Of Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot

With time and continued use of narrow uncomfortable shoes or no treatment, both nail and foot fungus and Athlete’s foot can spread. Over time this can cause increasing discomfort.


How is Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?

The diagnosis for nail and foot fungus and athlete’s foot is made by visual inspection of the feet and taking history.

 

Furthermore, nail clippings and skin samples can be collected and sent to a pathology lab for analysis. This can help determine the organism causing the infection.


How is Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot Treated?

Nail and foot fungus and Athlete’s foot can be treated by:

  • Using over the counter antifungal medication (ointment, spray, powder or lotion form)
  • Prescription oral antifungal drugs which work faster than topical solutions
  • Antifungal nail polish and antifungal cream
  • In severe cases of nail fungus, a doctor may recommend permanent nail removal to treat the infection and pain.


What If Nail & Foot Fungus & Athlete’s Foot is Untreated?

If left untreated, nail and foot fungus can result in permanent damage to nails.

 

In cases of diabetes, nail fungus can cause further severe complications as well.

 

If an athlete's foot is left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body such as the hand, nails and groin as well as spread to other people.


For Patients

First Visit Guide Price & Payments Social Media

Quick Enquiry

Share by: