Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection which can be intensely itchy especially between the toes. It can lead to cracked, blistered peeling skin with redness and scaling.(see section on Athlete’s foot). If left untreated the fungus or fungi can easily spread to the toenails causing them to become thick with a blackened or yellow nail plate. This is then much harder to treat.
Fungal nail infections are highly contagious and can spread to other areas of your skin. Therefore after bathing, keep a towel to use especially for your feet.
Once feet are contaminated the warm dark sweaty environment inside footwear, especially trainers, makes ideal conditions for the fungi to grow.
Treatment consists of firstly changing footwear on a regular basis. Allow shoes to dry out properly after wearing them leaving 24-48 hours and alternating your shoes daily. Take out insoles, loosen laces and open shoes out to allow air to fully circulate. Feet should be allowed air to them after a day of being enclosed in shoes.
At Sale Podiatry we can make the correct diagnosis of your fungal nail condition and give you advise on the best course of treatment including the preferred medication for you.