As the warmth of summer approaches, the thought of slipping your feet into sandals might be accompanied by the embarrassment of dealing with fungus. Don't let fungal woes dampen your sandal season—it's time to take action.
At AllCare Foot & Ankle Center, Michael V. Tran, DPM, helps you deal with fungus, including nail fungus and athlete's foot.
Here’s what you can do to be sandal-ready by summer.
There are many types of foot and nail infections, and they may require different treatments. Before recommending any treatment, the AllCare Foot & Ankle Center team first identifies the type of foot fungus you're dealing with, either using a microscope or sending a specimen to the lab for confirmation.
Common fungal infections include athlete's foot and toenail fungus. Nail fungus can contribute to yellow, crumbly nails, while athlete's foot can cause a red, itchy rash.
Our team also rules out other non-fungal infections, such as bacterial infections like staph infections.
Over-the-counter antifungal medications are readily available. However, because they’re not as strong as prescription versions, you might not get the desired results when battling stubborn fungal infections.
Fungal infections are notoriously challenging to manage independently, but the good news is that you don’t have to. Our team may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, both topical and oral, to combat the infection more aggressively.
Athlete's foot causes a scaly rash and itches, too. Scratching can spread the infection and increase the risk of small wounds. This is particularly problematic if you have diabetes since even the smallest scratch can heal too slowly.
Our team can recommend anti-itch powders or sprays to help tame the itch. That enables you to find relief from the itching but also helps prevent the complications of scratching.
Even with the right treatments, good foot hygiene is non-negotiable. Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Wear moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry, and choose breathable shoes to discourage fungal growth.
Avoid anything that keeps your feet moist. If your feet get sweaty, change your socks as soon as they become damp. Allow your shoes to fully dry out before wearing them again.
Once you’ve started your antifungal treatment, you want to keep your feet sandal ready all summer long. Using communal shower areas (without shower shoes), sharing towels or nail clippers, demonstrating poor hygiene, and wearing tight shoes are all preventable risk factors for fungal infections.
You can reduce your risk of reinfection by:
Having diabetes can also increase your risk of nail infections and foot infections. If you have diabetes and suspect you have an infection, visit us immediately for swift treatment.
You don’t need to hide your feet all summer long! Dr. Tran and the team at AllCare Foot & Ankle Center offer expert and non-judgemental care so you can flaunt your beautiful (and healthy!) feet all summer long.
Sandy-ready feet are just a call or click away. You can request an appointment online or over the phone at 817-276-4600 at either of our locations: Arlington or Dallas, Texas.
