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Painful or discolored rash on your feet or toes? Are they embarrassing or uncomfortable? A fungus might be to blame. These two common conditions are treated by a podiatrist (foot doctor).
Athlete’s Foot. Most people become familiar with this fungal infection in high school, when sharing showers after gym class. The fungus that causes it—the most common fungal skin infection — likes to grow in warm, moist places. You can get it by touching the toes of someone who has it, but more often from walking barefoot on contaminated areas near swimming pools and locker rooms. It spreads easily, and can grow in your shoes once you’ve picked it up. Symptoms include burning, itching, and a rashlike redness between the toes and on the bottom of the foot. The skin can peel and crack, even develop infections if left untreated. In the worst cases, blisters can form and toenails degrade.
To avoid catching this unpleasant parasite, keep feet clean and dry. Wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes made with breathable materials like real leather. If you’re exercising in the middle of the day, bring fresh socks to wear when you’re finished, and consider packing along some foot powder. Always wear sandals or flip-flops when you’re in public places like gyms or pools, and if you do catch the infection, get to your doctor right away. Topical creams and oral medications are available to treat the condition. Without attention, it may spread to other parts of the body.
Toe Fungus. People often go to the podiatrist because of a thickened, discolored toenail that’s become painful. This is often the result of a fungal infection called onchyomycosis. It can happen underneath or within the nail, causing it to become thick, crumbly, and discolored. The condition may be caused by unsanitary instruments used in nail salons, trauma to the toenail, poor hygiene, and medical issues such as diabetes and poor circulation.
There are ways to control the fungal infection, but unfortunately, there is no cure for it. Topical agents can be applied directly to the toenail and may take up to three months to show results. Oral medication may be used, although monthly blood work is required to monitor liver enzymes. Laser treatments are also available.
To prevent toe fungus, practice proper foot hygiene, carefully evaluate any nail salons you may frequent, and wear shoes with a comfortably wide toe box. If you suspect an infection, see your podiatrist right away for an evaluation.
About the Author:
Dr. Shazia Amar is a foot doctor in Brooklyn New York specializing in conditions of the feet. If you have a foot problem visit her at her Park Slope Podiatry office or her podiatry office on Newkirk Avenue in Brooklyn.
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