Foot Fungus describes infection of the feet by a slow growing microorganism called fungi. It is not the same as bacteria as it's a different family of microorganisms with multiple different types of fungi within it's, but foot fungus can lead to major foot problems that could lead to foot amputations if neglected. Fungus can infect the skin anywhere on the feet and around the toenails. Fungus likes to grow in dark, moist, warm environments. Fungus on the skin is commonly referred to as Athletes foot, but the proper medical term for it is tinea pedis while the medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. Fungal foot infections are also capable of infecting foot wounds.
Fungus infecting the skin(i.e. Athletes foot) can appear as dry, scaly, peeling, skin with underlying redness discoloration. The infection can be capable of developing a foul odor. Sometimes fungal foot infections can develop foot blisters or wounds depending on the aggressive nature or strain of the infection. People have a misconception that Athletes foot most commonly and only infects the skin between the toes, but that is not the case as anyone is capable of being infected especially when exposed to fungus. Typically, people will experience burning or itching pain in the area of athletes foot depending on the extent of the fungus infection within the skin.
The appearance of fungus toenails(i.e. onychomycosis) can vary based on the type of fungus infection. Fungal toenail infections commonly appear with yellow or white nail discoloration, thickening of the toenail, and the toenail lifting off the nail bed from debris build up underneath the nail secondary to fungal growth. It can be accompanied by malodor as well. Some people can experience pain with fungus toenails normally from shoe irritation or the toenail becoming ingrown as a result of nail changes from the infection.
Any age group, race or gender can be affected by foot fungus. You do not have to be an athlete in order for your foot to be infected by fungus. Risk of fungal foot infection increases in environments with high humidity, wearing enclosed shoes that are not breathable creating a dark environment, excessively sweating feet, injury, poor circulation to feet, medications, and weak immune system. It can be contagious and transmitted to other people, but not everyone is prone to getting foot fungus infections. Some people are more genetically vulnerable to foot fungus infections than others.
It is important to seek out treatment for foot fungus early because it results in damage to the integrity of the skin risking a more aggressive infection spreading into the foot by bacteria. People with weakened immune systems from chronic medical conditions or taking certain medications such as diabetes or chemotherapy agents are at higher risk of fungal foot infections that could result in an additional bacterial infection. This puts them at risk of an infection that is harder to control that could lead to foot amputations or become fatal.
Do not wait to seek treatment for foot fungus. Although it may seem harmless in the beginning and just an eye sore to deal with, it can lead to major foot problems that could risk your limb or life if neglected.
Schedule an online appointment today or find a local podiatrist near you so that you can take the first steps to protecting your feet today.