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Posts for tag: foot fungus

By Crofton Podiatry
October 02, 2018
Category: skin conditions

Are your feet experiencing symptoms like dry, cracked, and/or scaly skin? It might make you think that your skin might be extremely dry and that you need to moisturize after you shower tonight. However, there might be something else going on! Read on to see if it might be symptoms of athlete’s foot.

You don’t have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. The foot fungus, which is in the tinea family, causes what is commonly referred to as athlete’s foot. This same fungus also causes fungal toenails, ringworm, and jock itch.

What symptoms should I look for?

  • Red rash between the toes
  • Stinging/burning skin
  • Itchy blisters on the feet
  • Itchy dry skin near the toes, up the sides of the feet, and along the bottom of the feet.
  • Cracking or scaly skin that begins to peel
  • Fungal toenails, which are also infected by the fungus (discolored, brittle toenails)

Where did I get Athlete’s Foot?

  • Walking around in locker rooms while barefoot
  • Using communal showers while barefoot
  • Community saunas or pools
  • Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection

If you have sweaty feet, causing your socks and shoes to be chronically damp or wet, you are more likely to create an environment in which fungi can thrive. Any small cut, scrape, or opening can allow the fungus to enter into the skin and cause an infection.

How do I treat it?

  • Self-treatment: You can use over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, lotions, powders, or sprays
  • Prescribed treatment: Our podiatrist can prescribe a stronger topical treatment or oral medication to treat fungus that has spread.

How do I prevent it?

The best ways to reduce your risk and reduce the impact of an infection include:

  • Keeping your feet dry (change your socks midday, rotate the shoes you wear, use shoes with ventilation)
  • Use flip-flops or sandals in public places, rather than going barefoot
  • Wash your feet with soap and warm water daily, especially after walking barefoot
  • Don’t share items like towels and shoes with those who might be infected

If over-the-counter treatments and medications do not work, come in for an evaluation and treatment. Make an appointment by calling (410) 721-4505 to see our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry. Our foot and ankle team is ready to assist you and your family at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

 

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By Crofton Podiatry
May 02, 2018
Category: Foot Fungus

Nope, no spoilers here about the new Avengers movie, but we do want to talk to you about your constant and seemingly never-ending war with foot fungus. The extremely dry, flaky skin sometimes goes away with lots of moisturizing and antifungal creams, but then rears its ugly head again just as you let your guard down.

Will it ever end?

Yes, we can help you find a way to put an end to your unceasing war! Depending on how extreme your foot fungus is, and where your fungal infection is affecting your feet, we’ve got the treatment for you!

But first, some background: Did you know that the same type of fungus causes both fungal toenails (onychomycosis or tinea unguium) and athlete’s foot (tinea pedis)? So if you’ve got symptoms of athlete’s foot – red, itchy rash between the toes or scaly, dry skin on the bottom of your feet – as well as ugly, discolored fungal toenails, there’s a good chance that it’s all caused by one original fungal infection. You could have gotten it from sharing shoes, walking barefoot at the gym, or sharing a foot towel with someone who has the infection. 

How is it treated?

If you take measures to prevent fungal infection from returning, there’s a good chance that you can be done with foot fungus after you’re treated at our office. Depending on the severity of the fungal infection, our podiatrist may suggest treating it with:

  • Prescription topical antifungal creams
  • Prescription oral antifungal medication
  • In office laser therapy

After successful treatment, be sure to prevent recurring infection by:

  • Washing and drying your feet every day
  • Wearing flip-flops in communal shower areas
  • Rotating the shoes you wear each day and wear a fresh pair of socks
  • Not sharing towels, socks, or shoes with anyone who might have a fungal infection.

Are you ready to end the war against foot fungus? Make an appointment with our foot doctor Dr. Brad Toll at our Crofton, MD office. At Crofton Podiatry, we will use the latest treatment options to take care of your foot care needs. With the help of our podiatry team, you can beat the fungal war on your feet! Come visit us at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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By Crofton Podiatry
February 07, 2018
Category: Foot Care Tips

Have you found a valentine yet? What are your plans to give them the ultimate Valentine’s Day? If you need ideas, start with their feet.

Wait, it may sound silly, but hear us out! Haven’t you ever had a long day of standing or walking, leaving you with achy feet? If only you had someone to give you a nice foot rub to help you wind down…

While a chocolate, flowers, and a fancy dinner are wonderful and almost expected for most couples, try focusing on the feet to get to the heart:

  • Swap out high heels and oxfords or loafers for softly cushioned slippers. A nice night out may have meant squeezing your feet into uncomfortable formal shoes.
  • Schedule in a foot soak. It’s an easy way to start the foot pampering session. For tired or sore feet, add Epsom salts and any essential oils your partner might like. To add some extra romantic vibes, throw in some rose petals.
  • Afterwards, you can roll your sleeves up, grab some lotion, and give your partner a nice foot rub. Key massage points include: below the big toe joint, plantar fascia (the band of tissue that shows up when you pull the big toe back), the arch, and the back of the heel and ankle. These spots are particularly soothing for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis,
  • You can also just do both the soak and rub in one go by scheduling a pedicure where you can both enjoy some pampering, minus the work.
  • End the experience by snuggling up by a fire or by keeping your feet in a foot-warming blanket. Just be careful not to burn your feet, especially if you or your partner have diabetes and have lost feeling due to diabetic neuropathy.

If either of you has foot concerns or maybe feel embarrassed about foot odor or foot fungus, make an appointment by calling our office at (410) 721-4505. We can help you feel better about your feet! Consult with our board-certified podiatrist, Dr. Brad Toll at Crofton Podiatry for an assessment and treatment, if needed. Visit our dedicated and friendly team at our Crofton, MD office, which also serves the surrounding Gambrills, Odenton, and Bowie areas.

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2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25
Crofton, MD 21114

Podiatrist - Crofton, Crofton Podiatry, 2411 Crofton Lane, Suite 25, Crofton MD, 21114 (410) 721-4505