Introduction to athlete’s foot
People are often unsure exactly what athlete’s foot is.
Firstly, the infection has nothing to do with being an athlete, sport or such physical activity. It is a form of fungal skin infection called Tinea Pedis that can affect people with varied levels of physical activity or age.
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin that can affect the feet, armpits, groin and crotch, causing symptoms such as itchy, flaky, red and cracked skin. Sometimes known as ‘jock itch’, the infection generally grows in areas of skin that may have folds and get hot, damp and sweaty.
Fungal spores in the air can cause infections when they come into contact with the body. Activities such as walking barefoot, trying on shoes, renting ski boots, or borrowing ice skating or bowling shoes can increase the risk of foot infections. We take more infection risks with our feet!
Here at Waverley Clinic, we diagnose and treat a lot of cases of athlete’s foot and generally find it to be a prevalent condition and uncomfortable to live with. Specifically concerning feet, the infection thrives in the warm, damp environment between the toes. The infection may also occur under and along the sides of the feet, known as ‘moccasin presentation’. This is often missed by patients and may cause problems for months or years.
The fungal skin infection can be treated with antifungal medications, BUT it is crucial to diagnose athlete’s foot infection correctly before treatment starts. For example, a fungal infection under the foot may be mistaken for simply dry skin and treated for months with foot cream without improvement.
Diagnose athlete’s foot
As explained, the symptoms of athlete’s foot can sometimes be challenging for the patient to identify. Correct diagnosis before treatment starts is critical. Sometimes the pharmacist may help with this, but you need to ensure the foot is actually examined before a treatment plan is started.
The symptoms can be confusing and vary in different areas on the foot. For example, under the foot, we may see a dry, flaky appearance to the skin with red underlying tissue. Compared to red, moist, peeling inflamed tissue in between the toes. Athlete’s foot is often irritating and itchy.
A Podiatrist’s specific experience can be used to confirm the diagnosis, and here at Waverley Clinic in Farnham, our experienced team can ensure a specific treatment plan for you is developed. Jonathan and Marzi are our experienced podiatrists who provide an accurate dermatology assessment with diagnosis and treatment.
A range of topical treatments – creams, powders and sprays are available to eradicate fungal skin activity. Remember that the pharmaceutical treatments, such as Daktarin, can only be used for around seven days – check the printed information with the product or ask the pharmacist.
The issue is really that the warm, moist areas where the fungus grows may remain unchanged and the infection returns. Therefore, preventative actions to reduce this risk are very important. Also, preventing the infection from spreading to the toenails is essential. Often, fungal nail infections can start as a cross-infection from athlete’s foot. Fungal nail infection treatment is more challenging, and prevention is the better option.
How to prevent athlete’s foot
Here at Waverley Clinic, we believe in good foot hygiene to prevent athlete’s foot in the first place. Preventing athlete’s foot involves keeping feet dry and clean, and wearing shoes or flip flops in public areas.
It is essential to wear socks made of breathable materials, such as cotton, to prevent moisture buildup. Also, you should avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms and public showers, which can help prevent catching athlete’s foot (and verrucas – but that’s a previous blog).
Washing your socks after each use at a higher temperature is also essential. A temperature of 60 degrees is required to reduce the risk of reinfecting the feet, including both skin and nails, when putting on socks.
Looking at fungal nail infections
As explained previously, the link with athlete’s foot is significant. If you suspect that you have a fungal nail infection, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. With the right approach, these infections can be effectively treated and prevented from recurring.
Consult with a podiatrist or health care professional as soon as possible. Here at Waverley Clinic, we have specialised in treating fungal skin and nail infections for over ten years, offering accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plans using all the very latest skills and technology.
Factors to consider when treating fungal nail infections
When choosing a treatment for your fungal nail infection, there are several factors to consider.
These include:
The severity of the infection: Mild cases may be effectively treated with topical medications, while more severe or persistent infections may require oral medication or even surgery.
Underlying health conditions: Some prescription and over-the-counter treatments may not be suitable for those with certain health conditions. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Timeframe: Topical treatments can take longer to show results compared to oral medications. Consider how soon you want to see improvement when deciding on a treatment option.
By considering these factors and working closely with our podiatry team here at Waverley Clinic, you can find the most effective and suitable treatment specific for your fungal nail infection.
Fungal nail treatment options at Waverley Clinic
At Waverley Clinic, we offer a range of treatment options for fungal nail infections, including:
Topical antifungal medications: Our podiatrist, Jonathan Kirk, can prescribe stronger topical treatments that may be more effective than over-the-counter options.
Oral medications: We also offer oral medication prescriptions for more severe cases of fungal nail infections.
Laser therapy: Our state-of-the-art laser technology effectively targets and destroys the fungus causing your infection without any side effects or downtime. We offer both Lunala and K-Laser treatments for fungal nail infections. Clinical research provides an over 80% nail fungus eradication success rate.
Surgical options: In rare cases, our podiatrist may recommend surgical intervention to remove the infected nail and apply topical treatments directly to the nail bed.
Don’t wait any longer; seek expert podiatry advice
Athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections may seem like a minor inconvenience, but they can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. It is important to seek expert podiatry advice as soon as you notice any symptoms of an infection.
With advancements in treatment options such as oral medications, topical solutions, and laser treatments, there is no need to suffer from the discomfort and embarrassment of athlete’s foot or a fungal nail infection. These treatments have been proven to be effective and have high success rates in eradicating the fungus.
Waverley Clinic provides expert diagnosis and personalised treatment plans to effectively treat and prevent athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections.
Don’t let a fungal skin and nail infection hold you back – contact us at Waverley Clinic on 01252 716611 today to schedule a consultation with Jonathan or Marzi and start your journey towards healthier, fungal-free feet.
