Fungal Infection of the Foot

Fungal Infection of the Foot Skin and nail Skin What is fungal infection of the foot (tinea pedis)?

Fungal infection of the foot, Athlete’s Foot, is one of the most common infections in the lower limb. It is caused by fungus and can be spread by direct contact with the affected skin or toenail.

Signs and symptoms • Small red or brown blisters • Flaky reddened skin • Itch • Areas between the toes may appear moist and whitish (maceration)

Why are feet commonly affected?

• Excessive moisture (sweat, exposure to wet environment) • Increased warmth and humidity (covered shoes all day) • Poor hygiene How does fungal infection spread?

• Carpeted areas and communal areas (E.g. hotel rooms and gyms) • Pool decks and showers • Trying footwear How do I prevent it?

• Practice good foot hygiene: • Wash feet and between toes with soap and water daily • Dry between toes carefully after showering • If your feet perspire too much, use antiperspirants (aluminium chlorohydrate) • Change your socks daily and when damp • Use antifungal detergent for washing your socks • Wear breathable footwear • Throw away old mouldy shoes • Alternate your footwear, especially if they are wet

Treatment of fungal skin infections • Apply antifungal powder (miconazole, clotrimozole) after drying between toes • Apply antifungal cream (miconazole, terbinafine hydrochloride, clotrimazole) on red flaky skin • Apply antifungal cream twice daily for at least 4 to 6 weeks, even beyond resolution of symptoms to ensure complete eradication of the fungal spores

Nails What is fungal infection of the nail?

Fungal infection of the nail, Onychomycosis, is a common nail condition caused by fungus and mould.

Signs • Thickened and discoloured (white, black, yellow or green) • Crumbly, brittle, nail pieces break off easily • May have unpleasant smell

Risk factors • Similar to fungal skin infections • Damp conditions, nail constantly wet • Using fungal contaminated clippers or files to trim nails • Constant use of nail polish or manicured acrylic gel products reduces breathability of nail • Previous trauma to nail • Autoimmune disorders or undergoing chemotherapy Treatment of fungal nail infections • Topical antifungal nail lacquers (amorolfine) must be applied once to twice weekly for a prolonged period of time to see any results • May take more than 1 year • Success rate reduces if

the fungal infection is deep within the nail bed • Filing with a clean file before topical application may allow the solution to penetrate the nail more effectively, improving results

Please note: If your fungal infection is severe, affecting both skin and nails, oral medications can be considered. Treatment takes at least a year and liver function tests are required periodically.

Please consult a healthcare professional.

• Removal of the nail is possible, however, the new nail may not grow back with a ‘normal’ appearance as the nail matrix has been damaged

Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group.

Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.

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