Fungal Infection

What is a fungal infection?

There are many kinds of fungal infection, but a fungal infection of the foot is normally called athlete’s foot, tinea or tinea pedis. There are at least four kinds of foot fungi and the most common of these is trichophyton rubrum. A fungal infection usually makes itself at home between your toes, but can really emerge anywhere on your foot. Yikes!

You may notice symptoms like:

• Redness

• Cracked, peeling or scaly skin

• White soft or soggy skin

• Blisters

• Itchiness

• Burning/stinging

• An unpleasant smell

What causes fungal infections?

Fungal infections are one of the most common foot problems. This is because fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty socks and shoes! Fungal infections are highly contagious — so being barefooted in communal changing rooms and swimming pools is also a fungal faux pas.

Treatment for fungal infections

After a proper diagnosis by your podiatrist, treatment for fungal infections is very straight forward — probably just an antifungal spray or cream. It’s also best to keep your feet clean and dry, particularly after a shower or exercise. Selecting the most appropriate treatment option from the get-go is likely to save you time and money, not to mention the fact that you’ll feel comfortable again sooner! Your podiatrist will also explain ways to prevent you from developing a fungal infection in the future. This is really important as most people suffer from fungal infections on and off for years, largely because they’re not aware of important preventative measures.