Got Thick Yellow Toenails? Treat That Fungus Before Sandal Season

Fungi have a unique position in our ecosystem. In fact, they aren’t considered plants or animals, don’t need light to survive, and can live on surfaces. There are even types of fungus we eat, including mushrooms, and some have led to medications like penicillin.

However, they can also cause illnesses. On your feet, this can mean infections that cause yellowing and many other unpleasant signs on your toes and skin.

To get foot fungus under control before the spring, let’s learn how the condition is treated.

Fungal infections can damage your skin and harm your feet, but Dr. Andrew Harrison and our staff can help treat them if you live in the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco and the San Jose, California, area.

Fungal infections are common on the feet

Fungi serve many valuable functions in the ecosystem, and microbes often help keep harmful ones in check. However, when dealing with infections on your feet, there are several fungi responsible for causing problems.

These classes of fungi (Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum) need keratin to thrive, which is found in our nails and skin.

Trichophyton rubrum is the most common, accounting for up to 70% of athlete’s foot or foot ringworm. Nail infections are also very prevalent.

Causes and symptoms

Fungi live in moist areas and can grow in public places where people walk barefoot, such as swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms.

It spreads through direct contact and touching infected surfaces. These fungi can spread to other parts of the body, but typically stay on the feet.

These infections lead to changes in the nails and skin, causing signs such as color changes (yellow, brown, or white), chalky or cloudy spots, nails that look thicker and misshapen, cracked nails, and separation from the nail bed.

Prevention and treatment

To avoid these infections, reduce moisture and sanitize the feet. Keep your feet safe by following these simple steps:

Keep feet dry
Wash every day with soap and water
Avoid going barefoot in pubic areas
Trim your toenails
Change socks and shoes regularly
Don’t share footwear or nail clippers

To treat existing infections, antifungals are often used in the form of creams, powders, nail polish, or oral pills. When these methods aren’t sufficient to eliminate the fungi, lasers can target them without damaging the nails or the skin.

Fungal infections make toes and feet look and feel unpleasant, but they can be treated, and we can help. To get your feet looking and feeling their best for the warmer months, make an appointment with Dr. Harrison and our team today.