Have you ever noticed itchy, red patches on your feet or between your toes? If so, you might be dealing with a fungal skin infection. These infections are common and can be quite uncomfortable, but the good news is that they are treatable. Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to keep your feet healthy and you feeling comfortable in your own skin.
What Do Fungal Skin Infections Look Like?
Fungal skin infections, also known as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis), can present in various ways. Here are some common signs to look out for:
- Red, Scaly Patches: These patches are often itchy and may appear between the toes or on the soles of the feet. It can cause to skin to appear dry and flaky.
- Blisters: Small blisters called pustules can form and may ooze or become crusty.
- Red dots/rash: very small clusters of red dots can be seen nearby dry/crusty patches of skin
- Dry, Cracked Skin: The skin on the feet can become dry, thicker, cracked, and may peel, especially on the soles and sides of the feet.
- Powdery white skin: Fine layer of white powdery looking skin that makes the skin look really dry.
What Causes Fungal Skin Infections?
Fungal skin infections are caused by dermatophyte (ringworm) fungus, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. And as us humans in the modern-day world know too well, we are almost always in shoes whether it be for work, sports, school, slippers around the house or just any time you leave the house. Without knowing our feet are in the perfect environment for fungus to thrive; warm, dark and moist! Now if we throw in a Queensland warm humid environment, we can almost guarantee we’ll all experience a fungal skin infection some time in our life. I can already hear some people thinking, “but I wear thongs/crocs/birkies all the time!”. Yes, I know, but at some point, some time you’ve been exposed to fungal spores that have found a home in your feet and your shoes. You may have some old joggers or work boots you use for gym, afternoon walks, or gardening (which by the way the garden is a great place to get a fungal infection!) and once those fungal spores are in the shoes they will stay there. And unless you’re treating it, it’s very hard to wish them away.
In case you’re a skim reader here’s a list of things that cause fungal skin infections:
- Old joggers that have been retired to gardening shoes
- Gardening
- Old joggers that are still being used as joggers – but have likely never been cleaned
- Any shoes you wear for long periods of time that you sweat in (aka work boots, sports boots, joggers etc)
- Bath towels, socks, bedding (if not treated or dried in sun) – this is if you have an existing infection or someone else in the household does.
How Are Fungal Skin Infections Treated?
Treating fungal skin infections on the feet involves a combination of good foot hygiene and antifungal treatments.
First, it’s important to diagnose the issue correctly. This includes differentiating a fungal infection from other skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis/eczema or pityriasis rosea. Once tinea is confirmed treatment of skin, socks and shoes can begin. It is very important to treat all commonly worn shoes with an antifungal powder or UV light (whether by sun or a small UV light placed in the shoe) OR wash the shoe, if the shoe permits. Next treating bedding, socks and towels with an antifungal wash in the washing machine and/or drying in the sun. Lastly and most importantly treating the skin.
How to treat the skin
- Having the bulk of the fungal load buffed and cleared by a podiatrist, then;
- Anti-fungal powder, spray or cream daily (as per the package directions)
- Weekly or bi-weekly foot soaks (with water, white vinegar and antifungal essential oils)
- And washing the feet in the shower and/or using a pumice stone to lightly buff the harder skin – remembering to dry your feet after every shower (with a separate towel just for your feet)
Preventing Fungal Skin Infections / Maintenance
Prevention is key to keeping fungal infections at bay. Here are some tips to help you avoid these pesky infections:
- Keep feet clean and dry
- If you can’t keep them dry – change your socks once or twice daily
- Use antifungal powders in shoes, leave them in the sun or use a UV light in them to treat the shoes regularly – Or if you can afford buy new shoes once the skin has been treated
- Wearing breathable footwear if/when your routine/work allows it
- Always wash your feet when you shower, then always dry your feet and between your toes!
Fungal skin infections on the feet can be uncomfortable and persistent, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, they can be effectively managed. As podiatrists, we are here to help you achieve and maintain healthy, fungus-free feet. If you suspect you have a fungal infection or have any concerns about your foot health, feel free to schedule an appointment.
