How Much Do You Know About Fungal Infections?
The Centers for Disease Control will kick off their annual Fungal Disease Awareness Week on September 20, and it’s an excellent opportunity for you to learn a bit more about some of the fungal infections that can affect your foot health. Anne Arundel county podiatrists Dr. James M. McKee and Dr. Adam Weaver are happy to share these five important facts:
Fungi are opportunistic. Any time they sense an opportunity to enter your body, they’ll take advantage of it. That means that anyone – men, women, and kids – is vulnerable to infection.
Signs of fungal infection of the skin on the feet include redness, itching, scaling, and flaking. It can occur on the heels, sole, or even between the toes, where Athlete’s foot is common.
Toenails infected by fungus might appear to thicken, yellow, or become brittle.
You can protect yourself from fungal infection by creating a barrier between feet and public-use surfaces. Wear slippers or sandals where others go barefoot, such as in hotel rooms or locker room showers. Hygiene is also important. Wash feet daily with an antimicrobial soap and dry well, especially between the toes. Fungus thrives in moist spaces.
Most treatments for fungal infections of the feet are non-invasive.
Are you worried that you have contracted a fungal infection or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? It’s time for a visit with your foot doctor. Your podiatrist is a medical expert with years of specialized training and experience, and is the best-qualified medical professional to are for this part of your body. Call the friendly Podiatry Group of Annapolis, P.A. staff at 410-224-4448 or click here to schedule a convenient appointment with James M. McKee, DPM, FACFAS and Adam Weaver, DPM in our office on Solomons Island Road today.