Fungal Infections

Fungal Foot and Nail Infections are very common.

Fungal foot infections are commonly referred to as Athlete’s Foot.

Causes: A highly contagious fungal infection. Thrives in warm, moist conditions.

Appearance: Skin – can be itching between the toes, cracked or blistered skin, red rash, flakiness.

Nails – thickened, yellow/brown or even dark green nails, crumbly, can be detached from nail bed. (Onychomycosis)

Treatment: Wash and dry feet thoroughly, change shoes and socks regularly. Disinfect footwear. Self-treat with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams such as Lamisil. Foot baths containing an antiseptic will also help and may reduce itching and burning.

Nails may need professional intervention to reduce thickness. Your G.P. can prescribe tablets such as Terbinafine to help treat the nails if a nail sample is positive but they are not always given readily as they have side-effects. You will need regular liver-function tests during treatment.

I recommend a topical treatment that contains Amorolfine 5% (prescription only)

Avoid nail polish unless it is Dr.’s Remedy Natural Nailcare, available at Foot Health First.

Contact us for a consultation in our surgery for treatment of Athlete’s Foot.

Fungal Infections