Fungus

Foot and toenail fungus can be incredibly stubborn, and that’s why you need proven medical grade products and treatments to permanently eliminate these distressing issues. At Modern Podiatry, experienced podiatrists Kibibi Wanzu, DPM, Brittany C. Sumpter, DPM, and Ronderick Williamson, DPM, treat foot and toe fungus using modern technology, like lasers and the Clearanail® system, in their Hampton and Atlanta, Georgia, offices. Call the office or schedule an appointment online today. 

What is foot fungus?

Foot fungus, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that causes an itchy rash on the feet. Athlete’s foot usually appears in the toe webbing (between the toes) but it can also appear on the sides, soles, and tops of the feet. 

When you have an athlete’s foot infection, the affected skin often looks scaly or it may peel or crack. Skin can appear dark red, purplish, or grayish. 

Athlete’s foot is extremely common, affecting about 7 in 10 Americans during their lifetime. It generally spreads through direct contact with someone who has the infection or by touching anything that person was using or wearing on their feet (such as their socks, towels, or shoes). 

With athlete’s foot, the skin tends to shed and peel in flakes, and simply stepping barefoot on one of those tiny flakes could leave you with an infection. That’s why it often spreads in public environments like swimming pools and gym locker rooms. It’s particularly prevalent in warm and moist areas.

What is nail fungus? 

Nail fungus is a fungal infection affecting the toenails. You can develop toenail fungus when you have a small crack in a nail, which allows fungi to enter the skin beneath the nail (the nail bed). Anyone can experience nail fungus, but older people are especially vulnerable due to brittle nails. Diabetes raises your risk as well.

Nail fungus causes weakening, peeling, crumbling, and discoloration in the affected nail. As with athlete’s foot, you can get nail fungus by walking in public areas barefoot. You can also get it by sharing nail clippers or a nail file with a person who has nail fungus. 

Athlete’s foot can spread to your nail and vice versa.

How are foot and nail fungus treated?

Modern Podiatry uses some of the most advanced and innovative approaches to cure foot and nail fungus.  Laser fungus treatments can treat both athlete’s foot and fungal nails. This treatment delivers light energy deep within your skin, getting to the source of the fungus and destroying it. 

Another option for fungal toenails is the Clearanail® system. This treatment approach uses controlled micro-penetration, a series of very tiny holes in the affected nail. The holes create channels to deliver topical antifungal treatments deep into the skin, effectively treating the fungus. 

There are also other options such as oral antifungal medication, but the medications can have undesirable side-effects, so most patients prefer the innovative, no-downtime solutions like laser therapy and Clearanail. 

To learn more about foot and nail fungus solutions, call Modern Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.