Skin Infections

Dealing with infections is a normal part of life and the common understanding is that most people with healthy immune systems are able to fend off common infections without the help of medical treatment. While this may be true for most parts of the body, infections of the feet can present another set of problems. Because feet are consistently in contact with dirt and other materials that may worsen and infection, it is necessary to be proactive when tending to foot infections.
 

It is also important to deal quickly with foot infections due to the amount of use that the foot gets during a typical day. Unlike other body parts that may be given rest during the healing process, it is difficult to discontinue using your feet for any amount of time. Unless you are suffering from severe trauma, a foot infection is typically not enough to keep you from your daily routine.
 

There are many available treatment options for infections of the foot. The recommended course of treatment will vary depending upon the location, type and severity of the infection. If you are suffering from a foot infection, please see a podiatrist immediately to ensure that the infection does not spread and is healed as quickly and painlessly as possible.
 

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry skin, itching, burning, scaling, inflammation, and blisters. The dry skin can often lead to cracking of the skin exposing raw and tender tissue. If left untreated, the infection can spread and worsen the symptoms.

Athlete’s foot can spread to rest of the feet and toe nails. It can also spread by contact to other parts of the body including the groin and underarms. It may also be transmitted to other family members through contaminated bed sheets and clothing.
 

Over the counter antifungal medications generally don’t work well. In mild cases of athlete’s foot, keep your feet dry with foot powder and wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly. If the infection does not respond to proper foot hygiene within two weeks, then consult your Podiatrist. Your Podiatrist will evaluate the problem to determine if it is indeed caused by a fungus. If it is, then your Podiatrist will prescribe an antifungal medication which may be applied topically or taken orally. If the infection is found to be caused by bacteria, then an antibiotic may be prescribed. It is very important to see a Podiatrist early because if ignored too long, it may become difficult to treat.