Fungal infection can occur in several places on the foot, but the most common is the skin infected between the little toe and the 4th toe. There, the skin will be white, thickened or red, small cracks may appear and there may be fluid. It itches. Athlete's foot can also be between all the toes or on the sole of the foot. Fungal infections can also occur in the nails.
The cause is infection with a skin fungus, a so-called dermatophyte. This is something different from yeast (candida) which is more common in the mucous membranes of the abdomen. Dermatophytes can also infect the skin on the body, groin and scalp. The fungus is probably found everywhere, and you will not usually find a source of infection. It is believed that athlete's foot often spreads from shared changing rooms. The fungus can be transmitted from humans, from animals and rarely from soil (especially in tropical regions). The fungus lives entirely superficially in the skin and will not cause disease inside the body. A safe diagnosis can be made if a sample is sent to the laboratory from the doctor's office, but is usually not necessary in the case of athlete's foot.
Cream of mushroom is usually sufficient. If it does not work, tablets can be used. Nail fungus is usually treated with tablets or nail polish over a long period of time.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
