When you take a look at your feet to see if they are up to snuff, it can be alarming to see something out of the ordinary. If you see scaling of the skin, a rash or discoloration of the toenail it can be a sign that you are dealing with a fungus infection of the foot. Fungal infections don’t look or act that same in all instances across the board. Sometimes they exhibit different characteristics depending on the bacteria and type of fungal infection. In general, most people get fungus due to exposure to dark and damp conditions. Once the fungus starts it can be hard to stop. Here are some ways a podiatrist might tackle the problem head-on.
Treatments or fungal infections vary based on the type of infection. Regularly cleaning the infected area every day may help to suppress symptoms and prevent additional spreading. Additionally, when it comes to basic grooming as a remedy, white spots or markings on the nail can be filed off. After they are filed off a liquid antifungal agent can be applied. Unfortunately, this method is not always successful.
A podiatrist can often detect whether or not a fungal infection is present early on. They can take a culture of the nail in their office and submit it for testing. After the results are in a podiatrist can figure out the cause of the infection and help set up a treatment plan. This plan might consist of over the counter medications or prescribed medications. They may also remove parts of a nail or skin that are affected by the fungus.
In some rarer cases, it may be necessary to have a foot surgery. Temporary removal of a severely infected nail can be performed. After the nail is surgically removed a topical fungal medication can be applied. In other instances, a nail can be permanently removed if it is causing chronic pain and has not responded to any treatment. This treatment allows for the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a misshapen nail.
Trying to cite a fungal infection without the help of a podiatrist is futile. There are so many different strains of funguses that it can be nearly impossible to treat without proper guidance. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Payel Ghosh, and their dedicated podiatry team will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today. Fungus doesn’t have to rule your life.