About one in 10 Americans will develop a foot fungus at some point. If you can’t treat the inflamed, itchy skin that foot fungus causes, you can find help at Northside Foot & Ankle PC. Timothy Kruse, DPM, offers diagnostic evaluations and customized treatment of toenail and foot fungus infections. Dr. Kruse can prescribe medication to clear active infections and advise you on how to prevent further foot fungus symptoms. Call the office in River North, Chicago, or Evanston, Illinois, today to schedule a foot fungus consultation or book an appointment online.
Foot fungus describes a fungal infection that enters the feet through small cracks or cuts in the skin.
You can pick up a fungus at a community shower and pool or another public area when you don’t wear shoes. You can also spread the infection to others with skin-to-skin contact.
The most common foot fungus infection is athlete’s foot, which causes persistent inflammation and itching between the toes. A fungus can also affect your toenails, making the nails thick, brittle, and discolored.
You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Northside Foot & Ankle PC if you have symptoms of foot fungus like:
When left untreated, a fungal infection in your feet can lead to difficulties standing and walking.
Dr. Kruse can confirm that you have a foot fungus during an exam of your skin and nails. He might also take a sample of your skin for further analysis under a microscope to identify the presence of a fungus.
To relieve the itching and inflammation a foot fungus can cause, Dr. Kruse can prescribe an antifungal cream that you apply to the skin of your feet. He can also prescribe a medicated polish that you apply to your toenails. It can take up to four weeks for these topical treatments to clear the infection.
If topical medicines aren’t strong enough, Dr. Kruse can prescribe an oral medication to treat the fungal infection.
In addition to treating an active infection, you also need to make lifestyle changes to prevent repeated infections and protect the health of your feet. These changes include:
You also need to wear shoes in public places and care for cracks or cuts in your skin that allow an infection to enter.
Call the Northside Foot & Ankle PC office nearest you today if you have itchy skin or other foot fungus symptoms. You can also book your diagnostic evaluation online.