Fungal Foot Infections: What You Need to Know
Fungal infections of the skin and nails are incredibly common and can affect people of all ages. These infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making the feet a perfect target. As podiatrists, we assist in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management of fungal skin and nail infections. If we believe the signs or symptoms of the fungal infection require additional attention, we will always advise seeing a dermatologist.
Signs and Symptoms
Keep an eye out for these common signs of fungal infections:
Itching or burning between the toes.
Dry, scaly skin or blisters.
Changes in nail shape, colour, or thickness.
Noticeable foot odour.
White, moist skin between the toes.
Superficial onychomycosis (Superficial fungal nail infection)
Chronic subungual onychomycosis (Chronic fungal nail infection)
Who’s Most Vulnerable?
While fungal infections can affect anyone, certain groups are more at risk:
Athletes – Regular use of communal showers and locker rooms increases exposure.
Children – Close contact in schools or sports can spread fungal infections.
People with weakened immune systems – Conditions like diabetes, cancer, or chronic illnesses make the body more susceptible.
Those in humid climates – Warm, moist environments help fungi thrive.
Tight footwear wearers – Shoes that trap sweat create an ideal breeding ground.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the severity and type of infection, as well as your lifestyle and medical history.
At Podiatry Beyond, we only use sterilised instruments to treat the skin or nails. At a general nail and skin care appointment the podiatrist will trim the affected toenails, reduce excessive thickness and clear as much debris as possible. For fungal skin infections such as Tinea, an in person visual inspection can assist in assessing the integrity of the skin before providing treatment options.
Quick Tips You Can Try at Home
Change socks during the day, especially if your feet get sweaty or wet.
Opt for sweat-wicking socks to help control moisture.
Wash and thoroughly dry your feet daily, paying close attention to between the toes.
Avoid sharing personal items like towels, socks, or footwear.
When to Seek Professional Advice
If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a podiatrist, doctor, or pharmacist for tailored treatment options, including:
Over-the-Counter Antifungals – Creams, sprays, or powders (e.g., terbinafine or clotrimazole) can effectively treat mild cases.
Prescription Medications – For severe infections or nail involvement, oral antifungals or prescription-strength creams may be required.
Antifungal Shoe Treatments – Powders or sprays can help eliminate fungi in shoes to prevent reinfection.
Why It’s Important to Treat Fungal Infections
If left untreated, fungal infections like tinea can spread to other parts of the body or lead to secondary bacterial infections. Don’t wait too long as addressing the problem early can make treatment more manageable and more effective.
If you wish to book in for a nail and skin care appointment please use our online booking system or call our friendly reception team.