Fungal Infections and Feet :Symptoms and Treatment Options

One of the things that we see all the time in foot and ankle clinic is fungal infections, otherwise known as Athlete's Foot. It's a really common condition. There are studies that have shown it can affect up to 70% of the population at some point in their lives. It's something that we see on a daily basis in clinic.

A fungal infection can affect the nails as well as the skin. When you have an infection in the nails, it's normally come from a skin infection first. This then gets into the skin surrounding the nail and underneath, in the nail plate.

Your nails and your skin are both made of keratin and this is what the fungus feeds on. It can affect both skin and nails, quite often at the same time.

Do fungal infections itch?

Fungal infections don't always itch. It's a misconception really, that athlete's foot is that itching sensation that you get in between your toes. If you have chronic dry  or reddened skin, or even an itch that only happens at nighttime, then it can be a fungal infection. There are other conditions that can mimic an infection, such as eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis. Getting the right diagnosis is the key, so always see a Podiatrist. We can test skin samples in clinic in five minutes. We can look at the skin as a whole, and can advise you on creams to manage dry skin conditions that aren't fungal infections. But getting the right diagnosis for any skin condition is the best starting point.