Why You Need to Blame Your Shoes for Fungal Toe Nails

This is an alert for people who care less about their foot hygiene and footwear. Yes! Fungal toenails are vicious spores that live long in your toenails without letting you know, till the time the condition turns severe. These spores thrive in shoes, clothing, bedding, furniture and even rugs. So, next time you step onto a rug, slip into shoes or put some clothing on making sure these spores are not penetrating into your body. The most common foot condition people face is a fungal toenail. However, it can be treated by a chiropodist or a podiatrist in Surrey.

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How fungal toe nails infest your feet

Fungal nail infections can occur at any time and may take months to cure. Sometimes when the infection is too severe, an individual may require visiting a podiatrist in Surrey for medical examination and treatment. Treating a severe fungal toenail is not easy. It may even take years to heal up completely. Sometimes, the condition can cause further complications by giving rise to cellulitis which may proceed towards other parts of the skin and allow bacteria to spread in the body. Hence visiting a foot care clinic becomes a necessity. At times a podiatrist may suggest minor surgeries in order to get rid of fungal toenails completely.

Cellulitis may enter the bloodstream when not treated on time, and all of this can happen because of wearing shoes which are already infested with the fungus. The fungus called tinea pedis causing athlete’s foot lives in shoes mostly. They can thrive in a moist environment and sometimes in dryer surroundings. So, it’s not quite a good idea to overrule your sandals or flip-flops from the list. Tinea pedis stays in the footwear and believe it or not they live for days. Our feet like other parts of the body shed dead skin which may be affected by tinea pedis. Hence the fungus may wait inside the shoes till the time you again slip into them.

Fungal spores thrive mostly in moist conditions. However, they can also thrive in a dryer environment, which makes it obvious why everyone should take care of their shoes and keep them clean. Also, if an individual faces this threatening condition, it is advisable that the person should seek the advice of a podiatrist in Surrey.

Don’t Leave Athlete’s Foot Untreated

Those of you who are hearing the term “Athlete’s foot” for the first time may need some insight into the condition. The syndrome is otherwise referred to as a fungal infection which develops in the skin of the lower extremities of the body, namely the feet. Toe-nail fungus mostly occurs from athlete’s foot and further spreads to other toes. Athlete’s nail spreads quickly. If you are experiencing similar conditions, visit a chiropodist in Surrey for immediate assistance.

Surprising yet true, jock itch and athlete’s foot happen from an infestation of the same fungus. The fungus is named as dermatophyte and may further lead to ringworm infestation. The fungus thrives in a moist and warm environment and is known to feed on keratin. Keratin is a protein which is found in nails, hair and skin. Even the symptoms are the same. People suffering from Athlete’s foot experience scaly patches, which may spread very fast and sometimes may reach out to the groin leading to jock itch.

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The common symptoms of Athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot can trigger various symptoms most of which have been mentioned below:

  • Scaly and itchy rashes between toes
  • Dry or scaly skin at the sides of the foot and along the soles
  • Red sores leaking smelly fluid

If you are experiencing any of these, it’s time to visit a chiropodist in Surrey who may be able to provide you with the right kind of treatment to get rid of this painful foot condition. Sometimes the fungus spreads quickly to the groin and the hands and may lead to life-threatening results. Diabetic people may face more pain and severity of the condition. Hence a timely visit to a chiropodist in Surrey is necessary.

Fungal nails can happen any time; though adults especially seniors are prone to experiencing such painful foot condition. When toenails crack, the fungus penetrates through nail beds and start multiplying. It happens mostly among seniors who face lower blood circulation. Weakened immune systems are often found to be the main cause behind such infestation. Contact a chiropodist in dorking, Surrey and get treated for fungal nails.