The Frustrations of Foot Fungus!

Foot fungus can affect anyone and is frequently ignored. It is often noticed as dry skin between the toes or peeling skin, changes to the nails that become thicker or turn yellow. Some individuals think this is just from getting older. Others just don't want to mention it.

Here at Sole Renewal RN Foot Care we would like our clients and their families to understand that there is nothing to be embarrassed about or judge your feet for. Our feet will change throughout our lives and many people will get some sort of foot fungus at some point. Just be aware of any changes to your feet, care for your feet and report any concerns to your healthcare provider.

Having healthy feet will allow you to walk, balance and maintain independence. If you notice your skin or nails becoming affected it could impact your ability to walk comfortably in shoes or cause other foot related issues.

What causes foot fungus?

There are many types of fungal infections that can occur on your feet. Your feet can get fungus because they spend a lot of time in socks and shoes. If they remain wet or your shoes don't dry between wear it can lead to fungus.

Athletes foot and nail fungus are two types of fungus that commonly affect the feet.

Athletes foot affects the skin on your feet. It can be found between your toes, on your soles, sides of your feet or it can cause small blisters that itch. You can have severe cases that cause discomfort or have mild cases that may go undetected. If you have dry scaly skin on your feet you may have athletes foot.

Nail fungus will affect your toenails. It can start out very small on your nail and may spread to the side of your nail. You may notice your nail getting thick or changing color. Your nail could become yellow, white or brown. It can lift from your toe or become brittle. Sometimes there is buildup under your nail that makes it difficult to trim.

Both types of fungus can happen at the same time. If you are experiencing foot skin fungus it can lead to nail fungus as well. Having your feet assessed by a RN will allow us to monitor your feet and report any changes.

Who is at risk?

Any body can get a fungal infection on their feet. However, there are certain things that put you at a higher risk.

As we age we become more susceptible to foot fungus. Changes to your skin, circulation, nail thickness and flexibility and immune system can play a role. If you have diabetes, poor circulation, a weak immune system. Sweat excessive, wear shoes that are too tight or closed. Have walked barefoot in a public shower or pool. Have had trauma to your nails or use the same nail clippers for multiple people. All of these can put you at risk.

Some individuals have trouble seeing or reaching their feet. They may not notice that there is peeling between their toes or that their nail is starting to get thick. It may be brought to their attention by a family member who notices a change.

That's where routine foot care can come into play. Having your feet looked at by a RN can help detect any changes and provide you with information on what you can do to help prevent foot fungus.

Signs of Foot Fungus

If you notice any of these on your feet you may have a fungal skin infection.

Skin peeling between your toes

Redness or irritation

Itching/burning

Skin that scales on the bottom or sides of your feet

Cracking of the skin

White skin that becomes wet or macerated between your toes

Blisters that itch

Constant wetness between your toes

Signs of a fungal nail infection

Your toenails are thick

Your nails change color

They become brittle or crumble

Lift from your toe

Buildup under your nail

Become hard to trim

May hurt when rubbing against your shoe

You may notice that your nails are thick and changing color but not always due to fungus. It could be from aging, trauma to your nails, shoes that rub on your nails or psoriasis. You should speak with your healthcare provider to determine what may be causing your nails to change.

Never assume a black line that appears on your nail or changes is due to fungus. Report this to your healthcare provider right away.

When to Call Your Doctor

If you have any of the following signs call your doctor or healthcare provider right away.

Spreading redness, heat, swelling, drainage, pain. Any open skin or sore between your toes. If you see any of these it could be an infection and needs to be seen.

If you are diabetic or have poor circulation it is crucial to report any breaks in your skin. These can become infected and lead to further problems if left untreated.

As an RN we will assess your feet and report any concerns to your physician. We are not able to diagnose you or give you any anti-fungal medication.

Treating Foot Fungus

Once you have been diagnosed with a fungal infection your doctor can decide what would be best for you. They may prescribe you a cream, give you a nail treatment or have you take a pill to help fight the infection.

If you have athletes foot they will most likely give you a cream. Nail fungus can take a long time to grow back clear. Once you are treating your nails it will take several months to a year for the new clear nail to grow.

There are pills that can help treat fungus. Not everyone can take these and it depends on what other medications you are on. Speak with your doctor to find out what options are best for you.

Preventing Foot Fungus

There are things you can do to help prevent foot fungus. If you are prone to getting it these tips will help.

Make sure you are washing your feet daily and drying them thoroughly. Change your socks daily or more if they become damp. Try to wear socks that wick away moisture. Allow your shoes to dry between wearing. Wear shower shoes when you are in the shower at the gym or pool. Don't share your nail clippers with others, socks, shoes or towels. Keep your shoes dry. Use an anti fungal powder if directed by your doctor. Make sure to check your feet daily for any peeling or redness. Cracks in your skin or thick nails. Check between your toes for any moisture.

Some of these may be hard for seniors to do. If you have arthritis in your hands or cannot bend over to see your feet. Have changes to your vision or have trouble balancing. You can ask for help from a family member or have routine foot care done to keep your feet healthy.

Sole Renewal RN Foot Care

We can help you maintain healthy feet by providing routine foot care. When we see you we will inspect your feet for any changes to your skin. Look between your toes for any moisture or redness. We will check your nails for any thickening and trim them to a safe length. If we notice any pressure points or your shoes are rubbing on your feet we can let you know. We will ask you if your feet itch, burn or if you've had any treatments in the past.

By keeping your nails trimmed and caring for your feet you can reduce the chance of getting foot fungus. If we do notice any changes we will report them to your physician.

We will never make you feel embarrassed about your feet. There is nothing to be ashamed of and we want to help you keep your feet healthy.

Keeping your feet clean and dry. Wearing proper socks and shoes. Keeping your nails trimmed and free from fungus will allow you to have healthy feet.