Foot Fungus

There are a couple different types of toenail fungus a person can have like Onychomycosis, mold, yeast ect. The only true way to know is through a simple lab test that can be done with a health care provider. You may have fungus if you notice the following.

• Itchy, burning, or stinging skin-Often worse between the toes or after removing shoes and socks. Sometimes the itching comes before visible changes.
• Peeling or cracking skin-Especially between toes or on the soles.. The skin may look white and soggy or dry and flaky.
• Redness or rash-The affected area may be scaly, red, or slightly inflamed. In some cases, it spreads out in a circular pattern with a clearer center.
• Odor-Fungal overgrowth can cause a strong, unpleasant smell.
• Thickened or discolored toenails-If the infection spreads to the nails (onychomycosis), nails may turn yellow, brittle, or crumbly.

Common Causes

• Walking barefoot in locker rooms, pools, or shared showers

• Wearing tight or sweaty shoes/socks

• Not drying feet well, especially between toes

• Reusing damp socks or sharing shoes

Things you can do before seeing a podiatrist are using antifungal cream or spray. Keep your feet dry. Wash and disinfect your shoes. You should see a health care provider if there is no improvement in 2-4 weeks with over the counter treatment. The rash spreads, blisters or cracks badly. One of the more important things is if you are diabetic or have poor curculation in which the fungal infection can become more serious.