Fungus

What is fungus?

Fungus is a microorganism that can affect your feet (Athlete’s foot) and nails (toenail fungus), causing irritating or embarrassing symptoms when left untreated. Symptoms vary from person to person but can negatively affect the appearance of your feet or toenails. The West Beverly Podiatry Group experts offer numerous foot and nail fungus treatments.

What are the symptoms of foot and toenail fungus?

The signs and symptoms of having fungus on your feet or nails include:

• Itching
• Scales
• Foul smell
• Thick, brittle, or discolored nails
• Irritation 
• Redness
• Flakiness
• Cracking
• Peeling
• Burning
• Stinging

Seek treatment at the first sign of foot or toenail fungus to eliminate the fungus and your risk of developing troublesome complications. 

What are the risk factors for foot or toenail fungus?

Risk factors for having fungus on your feet or nails include:

• Walking barefoot in community areas
• Nail injuries
• Diabetes 
• Circulatory problems
• Weak immune system 
• History of Athlete’s foot
• History of toenail fungus
• Wearing damp socks or shoes
• Sharing personal items
• Older age
• History of Athlete’s foot or nail fungus

You might get foot fungus after walking barefoot in locker rooms, swimming pool decks, or community showers.

Ways to reduce the risk of fungal infections include wearing footwear when walking in communal areas, keeping your feet and toenails clean, and keeping your socks and shoes clean and dry. You should also wash your feet regularly.

How is foot and nail fungus diagnosed?

Your West Beverly Podiatry Group provider examines your feet and toenails. They also review your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle habits. Your podiatrist may obtain a tissue sample and look at it under a microscope or send it to a lab for analysis before personalizing your treatment plan. 

How is foot and toenail fungus treated?

West Beverly Podiatry Group offers the following treatments for foot and toenail fungus:

• Antifungal creams, powders, and sprays
• Dr.’s Remedy® antifungal nail polish
• SteriShoe® ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer
• Laser treatment
• Topical medicines
• Oral medications
• Debridement
• Surgery

Sometimes surgery is the best way to eliminate toenail fungus by removing the affected nail. Your podiatrist offers surgery if other toenail fungus treatments haven’t worked or your case is severe. 

See the West Beverly Podiatry Group experts at the first sign of a problem and when you have concerns about your foot or toenail health.

Schedule an appointment at West Beverly Podiatry Group by phone or request one online today to get treated for foot or toenail fungus.