Foot Fungus

We really don't want to discuss this but it is so common.  With warm weather on the horizon, we need to start thinking about prevention and treatment. Foot fungus affects people of all ages.  Why?  Because like other small organisms, fungus like warm dark moist spaces like the areas between the toes, under the toenails and almost anywhere inside a snug pair of shoes.  Why do we not see fungal fingernails?  Even if the fingernails are exposed to fungus daily, the fungus will not thrive because the environment is not right.  Toenails, however are in the right surroundings for fungal growth.  So what can we do to prevent and treat foot fungus?  I never recommend soaking.  Washing feet during a shower or bath is enough.  Special attention should be directed to the areas between the toes.  After the bath those interspaces should be dried carefully with a clean dry paper towel, not the same towel we use to then dry our hair.  Moisturizer can then be applied all over the feet except for the areas between the toes.  To prevent spread, wear flip flops at the gym or at the pool.  Flip flops can also be used at home if someone suffers from foot fungus and doesn't want to spread it to the rest of the household.  Treatment of skin infection can be over the counter medication or perscription cream from a podiatrist.  

Nails, however have posed a generation-long challenge for podiatrists.  Trauma to a single toenail can lead to a fungal infection that can then spread to other nails.  When a nail separates during trauma and even forms a hematoma, fungus takes advantage of the space under the nail and does not leave.  So topical medications, oral medications, lazer therapy, and many other treatments are available but will take much longer than when treating skin infections.  Very often these treatments are not successful and patients get discouraged.

So like with many other conditions, it is much easier to prevent infection than to treat tinea pedis.