Foot Fungus Treatments
Summer heat can be uncomfortable, but adding the issue of dealing with athletes foot will make the season seem unbearable. Foot fungus, also known as athlete’s foot, is an infection of the skin on feet, and includes uncomfortable symptoms such as itchy, burning or blistering feet. It is contracted when microscopic fungi begin living within dead skin tissue. The build-up of these microscopic bacteria can be caused from various sources, such as a lack of foot washing or excess sweat absorbed through socks within sneakers. Although tinea pedis is no fun to deal with, there are ways to relieve and treat its associated discomforts.
–Topical Antifungal Treatments
Antifungal treatment solutions work by applying a cream, wash, powder, or topical combination directly to infect areas multiple times per day. These topical antifungal solutions soak into the skin and infected areas. Each topical method works to kill off fungi that is present within the foot’s skin as the solution is absorbed.
–Fungal Nail Polishes
There are many different brands of fungal nail polishes, but each one is specifically formulated to eradicate fungal infections. Often when toe nails get too thick from the infection, they act as a barrier and prevent the skin from absorbing other topical treatments. When athlete’s foot begins to thicken, discolor, crack, and loosen toe nails, also adding a topical polish to your foot fungus regime is not a bad idea. Fungal nail polishes enable the skin beneath the nail to absorb the medicated ingredients.
-Oral Medications
For quite serious cases of fungus infections of the foot, oral medication may also need to be taken. Oral medications fight athletes foot from inside your body in order to eliminate microscopic fungi. Antifungal pills are reserved only for severe cases of foot fungus, since this method of treatment has side effects on liver and kidney functioning if taken for too long.
Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
We also have safe comfortable lasers to treat toenail fungus
If you have foot fungus, no matter which method of treatment you choose, getting treatment in some form is most important. It may take a while to fully eliminate the infection, but when left untreated foot fungus can change toe nail color yellow, cause pain and debilitate walking in serious cases. Do not let this happen. Contact us at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic today for more information on foot fungus and other podiatric care.
Use These Tips To Remain Protected From Foot Fungus
Although it’s impossible to completely prevent foot fungus from infecting you, there are some tips that can help you decrease the risks and symptoms of foot fungus.
These preventive tips aren’t too hard therefore you should adapt them in your daily lifestyle. This way you can be protected and your feet will thank you!
Here are some of the most useful tips to prevent foot fungus:
- Don’t Walk Barefoot
It doesn’t matter you go, you aren’t safe from bacteria and germs therefore it’s a good idea to never go barefoot.
You should wear footwear especially in the places like gyms, and shower rooms since many people sweat in these places release bacteria.
Furthermore, it’s summer and you will surely go to swimming pools and swimming pools have bacteria which means it can be a source of foot fungus.
Therefore no matter where you go, do not forget to wear slipper, sandals or shoes.
- Your Feet Must Stay Dry
Bacteria can easily survive and grow when they get moist places and if your feet remains wet most of the time then you must dry them.
If you sweat a lot especially your feet then you can try moisture wicking socks, these are socks especially made to absorb sweat and keep your feet dry.
- Avoid Sharing Anything With Others
When you share objects with others you share bacteria as well, so you should stop sharing clothes, towels, nail clippers and any other objects with others.
You should do this even if the other person is your family member, or you might get infected too.
And if you are the person with foot fungus then start wearing socks at home, this will help your family members to remain protected from the dangerous foot fungus.
How can I keep my feet dry and prevent summer foot fungus?
To keep your feet dry and prevent summer foot fungus, you can follow these tips:
- Wear breathable shoes: Choose shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather or canvas, to allow air circulation and reduce moisture buildup.
- Change socks frequently: Wear clean, dry socks and change them at least once a day, especially if your feet tend to sweat.
- Use antifungal powder: Apply antifungal powder to your feet and inside your shoes to help keep them dry and prevent fungal growth.
How often should I change my socks and shoes to prevent summer foot fungus?
To prevent summer foot fungus, it’s important to change your socks and shoes regularly, especially if your feet tend to sweat or if you’ve been in a humid environment. Here are some general guidelines:
- Socks: Change your socks at least once a day, preferably more often if your feet sweat excessively. If you engage in activities that cause your feet to sweat, such as exercise or spending time outdoors in hot weather, consider changing your socks immediately afterward.
- Shoes: Rotate your shoes and avoid wearing the same pair every day. This allows each pair of shoes to fully dry out between wears, reducing the risk of moisture buildup and fungal growth. If your shoes become damp or wet from sweat or water exposure, allow them to air dry completely before wearing them again.
Are there any long-term complications associated with summer foot fungus?
Summer foot fungus, such as athlete’s foot, can lead to long-term complications if not treated properly. Some potential complications include:
- Recurrent Infections: Without proper treatment and preventive measures, the fungus can return, leading to chronic or recurrent infections.
- Secondary Bacterial Infections: Scratching the affected area can break the skin, allowing bacteria to enter and cause additional infections.