Introduction to foot care
Preventing fungal infections on feet and skin can be challenging. Fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections, thrive in warm, dark, and humid environments – precisely where our feet often reside. Practising good foot hygiene maintains healthy feet and reduces the risk of infection. Here at Waverley Clinic, we care about foot care and share best practices to help avoid fungal infections.
Symptoms of fungal nail infection
Fungal nail infections often start as a small white or yellow spot under the toenail. As fungus grows, it may cause the nail to thicken, become discoloured, and develop an unpleasant smell. The nail may also become brittle and crumble at the edges. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other nails and potentially cause pain or discomfort.
Here are the common symptoms of a fungal nail infection:
- Nails that are distorted in shape
- Thickened nails
- Painful as the nails get thicker
- Yellow-brown nail colour
- Brittle or crumbling nails
- A build-up of debris under your nail
- In the later stages of the infection, a foul smell
Understanding athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the feet, especially between the toes. Fungi thrive in moist environments, making sweaty feet an ideal breeding ground for fungal growth. Tinea pedis can also develop in other warm areas of the body, such as the groin and armpits.
Understanding the causes of athlete’s foot can help prevent nail fungus and other fungal skin infections. Good hygiene practices, such as keeping feet dry and wearing breathable materials, can help prevent athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread through skin contact, contaminated surfaces, and infected areas.
Preventing foot fungal infections
At Waverley Clinic, we provide our clients with the best advice to help prevent
fungal foot infections in the first place:
- Practice good foot hygiene: Wash feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Wear appropriate socks: Moisture-wicking socks help reduce sweat and prevent fungal growth.
- Treat your shoes: Shoes can harbour spores from previous infections. Use antifungal powder or spray inside your shoes, especially if you’re in damp environments.
- Protect your feet in public areas: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially after communal showers and in locker rooms, to prevent fungal skin infections.
- Wash socks at higher temperatures: Fungal spores can survive in shoes and socks washed at lower temperatures (30-40 degrees). Washing at 60 degrees Celsius or higher reduces the risk of cross-infection.
Keeping feet dry
Keeping feet dry is essential for preventing fungal infections, as fungi thrive in moist environments. Wear shoes that allow feet to breathe and use a separate towel to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials that trap moisture. Wearing flip-flops or sandals in warm weather can also help keep feet dry and prevent fungal infections.
Fungal nail prevention
Preventing fungal nail infections requires good hygiene, such as keeping nails clean and dry. Here are other recommendations to avoid a fungal nail infection:
- Avoiding sharing personal items, such as nail clippers, can help prevent catching fungal infections.
- Wearing shoes that fit well and allow feet to breathe can help prevent fungal nail infections.
- Avoid wearing sheepskin footwear, including sheepskin slippers and Ugg Boots.
- Nail varnish creates a dark, warm and humid environment, which is perfect for fungal growth. Avoid applying nail varnish for extended periods. If you do use it, don’t leave it on for months at a time; remove it regularly to allow the nail to ‘breathe’.
- Avoid using Gel varnish. This has to be the number one reason we see associated with the start of nail fungal infections.
Tips for healthy feet
Practising good foot hygiene, including washing feet regularly and keeping them dry, can help maintain healthy feet. We also recommend the following tips:
- Wearing shoes that fit well and allow feet to breathe can help keep feet healthy.
- Washing socks, towels & and bed linen at higher temperatures on an ongoing basis is very important. Low-temperature washes are not hygienic. Just ask yourself: do you want your next hotel stay’s sheets and towels to have been washed at 30-40 degrees?!
- Getting regular foot health check-ups from a qualified podiatrist. This can identify clinical problems at an early stage, including nail and skin fungal infections.
- Staying healthy, including eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly, can help boost the immune system, which can help prevent fungal infections.
Treating fungal nail infections at Waverley Clinic
Dealing with a fungal nail infection? Think you might have a fungal nail or skin issue?
How we treat fungal nail infections at Waverley Clinic
- Diagnosis: Book an appointment with our expert lead podiatrist, Jonathan, to assess the affected skin and nails. We’ll discuss all treatment options in detail and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Treatment Options:
- Topical antifungal medication from your pharmacist
- Oral medication prescribed by your GP
- K-Laser Therapy or Cold Lunula Laser Therapy
- No treatment (though fungal infections rarely resolve on their own and can spread to other nails).
Don’t wait – book your K-Laser or Lunula Laser Therapy today!
Lunula Laser Therapy Treatment
K-Laser Therapy Treatment
Don’t let fungal infections hold you back!
Fungal nail infections are more common than you might think, with many people silently dealing with them for years.
Book your laser therapy today!
Here at Waverley Clinic in Farnham, we’ve spent nearly a decade specialising in the treatment of fungal nail infections. Whether it’s a mild case or a more advanced infection, our expertise and range of treatment options help new patients every week.
Don’t wait – schedule a fungal assessment appointment with our expert Lead Podiatrist, Jonathan Kirk, today!
Call Waverley Clinic at 01252 716611 (available 24/7) or book online.
