Fungal Infection

Fungal infections are infections which affect the skin and nails of the feet and are a common complaint in podiatry. The microorganisms that cause fungal infections thrive in dark, moist environments such as in between the toes and around the toenails. The two most common fungal infections which affect the feet are athlete's foot and fungal nail infections.

Recognizing Common Symptoms:

Fungal nail infections can present in various ways, with symptoms ranging in severity:

• Discoloration: Infected nails often turn yellow, brown, or green, and may have white patches.

• Thickening and Deformation: The nail may thicken and become misshapen or irregular.

• Brittleness: Infected nails tend to become brittle, making them prone to crumbling, splitting, or pitting.

• Debris Under the Nail: There may be a buildup of material under the affected nail.

• Unpleasant Odor: Sometimes, the infection causes a foul smell.

• Nail Detachment: In more severe cases, the nail can partially or completely detach from the nail bed.

Effective Treatment Methods:

Treating fungal nail infections can be difficult, but early intervention is key to preventing the infection from spreading and improving nail health. Treatment options include:

• Topical Treatments: Antifungal creams, lotions, or nail lacquers, available over-the-counter or by prescription, applied directly to the affected nails.

• Oral Antifungal Medications: For severe infections or when topical treatments are ineffective, healthcare providers may prescribe oral antifungal drugs.

• Nail Removal: In certain situations, surgical removal of the infected nail may be necessary to allow for better application of antifungal treatments.