How to Get Rid of Foot and Toenail Fungus Before it Gets Worse

What are foot and toenail fungus?

Foot fungus is commonly known as athlete’s foot and is a fungal infection of the skin. While foot fungus most often occurs between the toes, it can also affect the entire sole of the foot. Toenail fungus, referred to as onychomycosis in the medical community, is a fungal infection that occurs in the toenails. These two infections are caused by the same fungi.

Foot fungus symptoms include:

• Flakey, itchy skin
• Thickened, white skin
• Cracked, reddened skin

Toenail fungus symptoms include:

• White marks and/or yellow streaks on nails
• Brittle, crumbling nails
• Thick, hard to trim nails
• A bad smell

What causes foot and toenail fungus?

Fungi are microscopic organisms that can live on your skin and often don’t cause any problems. However, if you have any tiny wounds or cracks in your skin, fungi can enter and cause infection. Fungi generally need a moist, warm environment to grow and spread. Which is why your feet and especially the skin between your toes are such common areas of fungal infection. Foot fungus can be spread through either direct skin contact or by contact with infected flakes of skin. While toenail fungus can be spread by having a pedicure with unsanitized tools, wearing shoes that cramp your toes, and walking barefoot in warm, damp areas.

Who is at risk?

While runners and swimmers often suffer from foot fungus, you don’t have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. Several other risk factors for athlete’s foot include:

• Circulation problems
• Genetic predisposition
• A weak or compromised immune system
• Eczema and allergies

Risk factors for toenail fungus include:

• Being older and male
• Having a chronic condition such as diabetes or a weak immune system
• Having had foot fungus
• Recent surgery or injury to your toenail

The Importance of Early Treatment

Foot fungus and especially toenail fungus might not seem like a big deal at first because symptoms can be extremely mild in the beginning. However, athlete’s foot can eventually become extremely uncomfortable and can also ยูฟ่าเบท cause toenail fungus. If left untreated, the effects of toenail fungus can be much more serious. The damage to your toenails can become permanent, the infection can spread to other parts of your body (such as the hands or groin), and walking can become difficult. At that point, surgery might become necessary.