Foot infection
Problems with your feet are a common occurrence. However, issues with your feet may be unsightly and embarrassing. Therefore, it is easy for people to ignore these issues. This can often lead to infection, which can be painful and take a long time to heal. Therefore, it is best to seek medical advice as soon as possible. Our experts are here to offer pertinent advice and talk you through your treatment options and any concerns you may have.
3 common types of foot infections:
Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the feet (usually between the toes). Athlete’s foot is contagious and you can catch it from touching skin with the infection or sharing towels, socks or shoes with those who have the infection.
Another common cause is walking barefoot in places where others have the infection (e.g., changing rooms and showers). Fungal infection grows in warm and humid environments. Therefore you are more likely to get it if you have damp or sweaty feet (often due to your choice of footwear).
The most common symptom of athlete’s foot is itchy, white patches between your toes. Other frequent symptoms include red, sore and flaky patches on your feet or skin that cracks and bleeds. Additionally, some may find that athlete’s foot manifests itself as pus-filled blisters on their feet.
Ahmeys healthcare professionals can prescribe a number of different treatments. These take the form of a number of different creams, sprays and powders. If needed, our experts are also able to provide a referral to a dermatological specialist. In addition to providing informed treatment options, our clinicians are well placed to offer to advise and suggest preventative measures to help stop the infection from becoming a recurring problem.
Fungal nail infection
Fungal nail infections are fairly common, although not serious. Like athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections can be spread from person to person and in certain conditions (e.g., damp and moist) allow the infection to grow and worsen. Fungal nail infections can also occur if the nail/nails are broken or damaged.
Fungal nail infections manifest themselves in a number of ways, such as:
- Discolouration of the nails (usually starting at the edge of the nail and spreading to the middle).
- The nail becoming an unusual shape
- Scaling under the nail
- Thickening of nail
- Development of unusual nail textures
- Discomfort when walking or wearing tight shoes
Ahmeys healthcare professionals are well placed to offer different courses of treatment, depending on the symptoms and severity of your fungal nail infection.Treatment may take the form of nail creams or prescription anti-fungal tablets. Like those suffering from athlete’s foot, our clinicians are also able to advise those with fungal nail infections as to a number of steps to take in order to prevent further nail infection.
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is where the edge of your toenail grows into your toe. This can be painful and treatment should be sought straight away to stop the problem from escalating.
Those with ingrown toenails may notice the skin around the toe becoming red, sore and swollen or the toenail curving into the toe. If left untreated this can lead to infection. Infection can result in pus in the toe and feeling hot and shivery.
Certain steps can be taken to stop an ingrown toenail.
These include:
- Not wearing tight footwear
- Not cutting the nail too short
- Soaking any infected area to soften the skin
Ahmeys healthcare professionals are here to advise you further and prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. Additionally, a referral can be made to a podiatrist, who may need to remove part or all of the nail.