What are the main types of foot fungus?
There are two common types of foot fungus:
Athlete’s foot
This condition, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that typically shows up between your toes. Athlete’s foot was given its name since the infection tends to crop up in people who routinely wear sweaty socks in tight shoes and frequent public areas that harbor the fungus (for example, locker rooms).
Toenail fungus
This type of fungus is fairly common and develops in your toenails. Also called onychomycosis, the fungal infection isn’t dangerous for the most part, but it can be an extremely tough condition to treat once it takes hold. Like athlete’s foot, this fungal infection is usually transmitted in warm, damp environments, namely public pools, showers, and sweaty towels and socks.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
The primary symptoms of athlete’s foot include:
- A rash between your toes
- Scaly skin
- Itchiness
- Stinging or burning
If left unchecked, athlete’s foot can also lead to blisters or open sores, making this a real concern for anyone with diabetes.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus usually starts out as a small white spot on your toenail. As it progresses, it can lead to:
- Crumbling nails
- Discoloration (yellowing of your toenail)
- Foul odor
- Changes in toenail shape
- Separation from the nail bed
Toenail fungus can be spread from toe to toe, which makes early intervention a good idea.
How are foot fungus issues treated?
Once Dr. Goldberg confirms your fungal infection, she typically recommends antifungal treatments to kill the infection and keep it from spreading. If you have a severe or treatment-resistant fungus, she may recommend oral antifungal medications.
With athlete’s foot, the infection should clear up quickly once you start using your medication. With toenail fungus, the process may last a little longer because even after the fungal infection has stopped, you still need to wait for your damaged nails to grow out before you’ve completely gotten rid of the effects of the fungus.
For comprehensive foot fungus treatment, call Goldberg Podiatry Center, LLC to request an appointment.
