Recognizing Fungal Infections on Your Feet and Toes

As we get ready to say farewell to summer, at Goldsmith Podiatry we want our Manhattan patients to be aware of a potential unwanted reminder of the season: A fungal infection. For many people, summer involves a lot of barefoot time, which can result in athlete’s foot or toenail fungus since these infections are passed on by direct contact. In addition to walking someplace where someone else has an infection, you may have contracted a fungal infection in one of the following ways:

  • Sharing flip-flops or sandals with a friend.

  • Getting a pedicure in a salon that was not following proper sanitary protocols.

  • From the inside of your own shoes, if your feet tend to sweat excessively and you don't rotate your footwear.

  • By using the same shower or bedding as another family member who has a fungal infection—they are highly contagious!

Common Signs of Infection

Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus spread quickly on your feet, and one can lead to the other. Here’s what to look for.

Athlete’s Feet:

  • Very itchy skin—often starts between the toes and spreads to the soles of the feet.

  • Dry, flaky skin.

  • In more advanced or severe cases, you may see a rash or even oozing blisters.

Toenail Fungus:

  • Changes in nail color—usually a yellowish or brownish hue.

  • Thickening of the nail.

  • White spots or streaks on the toenail.

Treatment

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should schedule an appointment at our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 so that our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff, can examine your feet and determine if a fungal infection is present. There are a variety of treatment options for foot fungus, including:

  • Oral antifungal medications.

  • Topical antifungal medications.

  • Laser therapy for fungal nails.

Some fungal infections can be stubborn and take a long time to heal. If you have diabetes or another condition that causes poor circulation, you may be at risk for more serious medical problems due to a fungal infection, so it’s crucial to seek treatment at the first sign of a fungal issue.

If you have questions or concerns about a fungal foot condition, contact us today.

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