Athlete's Foot | Tinea Pedis
Fungal infection of the skin is very common and affects patients of all ages. When the infection spreads to feet and ankles, it is commonly referred to as Athlete's Foot, also known as Tinea Pedis. Certain fungi reside on the skin and use our skin as a source of food. When fungal infection worsens, patients typically notice a foul odor and begin to see skin shedding and discoloration. Over-The-Counter medications and creams are available for mild infections. However when they spread quickly and more aggressively, medical treatments with use of prescription medications area necessary.
To find out more about your Bunions and treatment options, please call to make an appointment with
Dr. Panahi today. You can reach us at 623.439.2200 or fill out an online appointment request.
Signs & Symptoms
Perhaps the first sign of Athlete's Foot is a foul odor that patients notice upon taking their shoes off. The condition can progress and vary in appearance. Most infections produce a yellowish discoloration of the skin on the bottom of the foot. Skin peeling and shedding is also a very common presentation along with the other symptoms. When the infection continues to worsen, occasionally patients notice redness to the bases of the lesions which can be quite itchy. This is your body's reaction to the infection which produces local inflammation.
Fungal infection, along with several other skin conditions can look similar. Certain skin issues can pose serious health risks and can be dangerous. For that reason, we recommend seeking medical advise for a closer look at the lesions to identify and treat appropriately.
Treatment
There are several prescription medications that can treat fungal infection of the foot and ankle. Depending on the severity of the infection, we prescribe topical or oral medications, or both. For those severe infections or the patients who do not respond well to medications, we occasionally perform a Shave Biopsy, where a small sample of the skin is collected and sent to a pathology lab for further investigation. Pending the results, we can then accurately focus and fine-tune our treatment plans.
Keeping Your Skin Healthy
Maintaining beautiful and healthy skin requires some attention, and certain preventative measures can go a long way. There are several skin lotions available on the market. We generally recommend water-based lotions. These products are easily absorbed through your skin and provide hydration. To prevent fungal infection, it is important to change your shoe gear and socks daily. If you are currently treating your skin fungal infection, it is recommended to treat the environment as well. There are products available in spray form and can be applied to your shoes daily.
Daily consumption of other supplements such as Biotin could help to optimize the health of your skin and nails.
To find out more about your Bunions and treatment options, please call to make an appointment with
Dr. Panahi today. You can reach us at 623.439.2200 or fill out an online appointment request.
