FootWise Podiatry Centre

Fungal infections

Print Version

The condition of our toenails can signal the presence or beginning of several diseases. Healthy nails are pink, clean and grow into the grooves normally. Any sudden changes in colour or shape of the nail or any pain should be discussed with your podiatrist who can diagnose the problem and advise an appropriate treatment.

Fungal infections are extremely common on the skin of the feet and can also invade the nails.

Anyone can get a fungal nail infection but they are most prevalent in older adults. Fungal infections develop especially easily in warm moist places, such as shoes/work boots, locker rooms, showers. An infected toenail will be thick and discoloured and may even sometimes appear brittle or different in
shape. Your podiatrist should be able to ascertain whether your nail is infected or not, but to be certain he may need to do a nail scraping and have it sent to a lab. Treatment may be topical (cream or polish) or in the form of oral medicine to be taken for 6 weeks, 6 months or much longer, depending on where the infection is and how bad it is. Your podiatrist can also assist with trimming and care of out-of shape nails and give you advice on steps you can take to prevent infection.

Boots and closed in shoes create the necessary conditons of moisture and warmth between the toes making it easier for fungal infections to spread, especially when public swimming pools and showers are used since fungal infections are highly contagious.

The clinical diagnosis of a fungal infection can be confirmed by microscopic examination of skin or nail scrapings and the type of fungus can be identified by culture of the scales. Treatment can be difficult and lengthy, so it is a good idea to try to prevent the infection by taking some simple measures.

Athlete's foot

This type of fungal infection causes red, dry and flaking skin and can sometimes be painful or itchy. It occurs mainly between the toes or on the soles or sides of the feet. But the fungal spores can also spread to other parts of the body such as the groin or the underarms.

Prevention of Athlete's foot is possible with careful foot hygiene. Thorough daily washing of the feet and careful drying, especially between the toes is essencial. Also important, are the wearing of dry airy shoes and socks and the use of foot powder. It is also recommended to not borrow footwear from others and to wear protective shoes when using public showers or pools.

In order to clear an existing infection, your podiatrist will recommend a general topical treatment to be used twice daily. If the infection becomes chronic, an oral anti-fungal medication may be necessary, and very strict foot hygiene will have to be followed.

Toenail Fungus

This type of fungal infection is rare in children but very frequent with adults. All that is needed is a small entry point for the microscopic fungi such as a small trauma in the nail. From then on, the infection will more than likely grow and spread thanks to the ideal warm and moist conditions in the socks and shoes.

The infected toenail will start to thicken or to crumble. It will change colour to a yellowish, brown or white colour. Streaks or spots may appear.

It is a difficult and lengthy condition to treat. Toenail infections may take more than 18 months to clear as the drug is incorporated only into newly formed nail. A higher success rate will be achieved through oral medication rather than topical applications.

Until the infection has been cleared, the infected person should not go barefoot in places where they would expose others to the fungi, i.e. changing rooms and public swimming pools or showers and should not allow anyone else to used their towels, shoes and socks. A non-absorbent bath mat should be used and cleaned with disinfectant. Anti-fungal powders or sprays should be used regularly inside the shoes.

For any questions about toenail fungus, athlete's fungus, orthotics, or our treatment procedures, give us a call.