Our Services / Foot & Nail Fungus

What is foot and nail fungus?

Foot and nail fungus are fungal infections that affect either the toenails or the skin on your feet. Toenail fungus most often occurs in the big toenail, but it can affect any nail and may even spread from one nail to another. 

Foot fungus (athlete’s foot) occurs on the skin, typically in the area between the toes. But, foot fungus can also appear in other parts of the foot, including the soles and sides of the feet. As with toenail fungus, foot fungus can easily spread from one area to another, especially if you rub or scratch the infected skin.

Are foot and nail fungus connected?

The same fungus strikes both the foot and the nail. So, it’s fairly common to have athlete’s foot that then spreads to the toenails. 

While the fungus is often the same, athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are two different conditions, each requiring a particular approach to treatment. 

What are the symptoms of foot fungus?

The symptoms of foot fungus include skin issues such as:

• Itching
• Flaking
• Peeling
• Burning
• Cracking
• Bleeding 

Foot fungus can be uncomfortable, making it hard to resist the urge to scratch or rub the infected skin. But, it’s important to touch the skin as little as possible to prevent further skin damage or the infection spreading.

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?

Nail fungus can cause obvious issues in the affected nail, such as: 

• Thickening
• Distorted shape
• Cracking
• Crumbling
• Ragged edges
• Discoloration — usually yellow, brown, or white

Nail fungus can also cause an unpleasant odor. 

How are foot and nail fungus treated?

Treatment commonly includes:

Foot fungus treatment

Foot fungus treatment commonly involves over-the-counter or prescription topical medications and sometimes oral medications. You may also need to use foot powders or sprays to deter new infections. 

Nail fungus treatment 

At Columbus Foot & Ankle, P.C., the team uses the state-of-the-art FDA-approved Q-clear™ laser to target and eliminate toenail fungus effectively. The innovative laser treats toenail fungus painlessly with no side effects, and it allows you to avoid daily topical medications or oral drugs. 

The team focuses on effective treatments that won’t inconvenience you or disrupt your life, making it easy to resolve your stubborn infection. 

To learn more about how advanced treatments can help with foot and nail fungus, call Columbus Foot & Ankle, P.C., or book your appointment using the online scheduling link now.