The Centers for Disease Control will kick off their annual Fungal Disease Awareness Week on September 20. Are you ready? For Cook County podiatrist Dr. Stavros O. Alexopoulos, helping you prepare means making sure you are aware of the signs of fungal disease on the feet, as well as options for treatment. Here are some facts for you to know:
- Fungal infections are not a sign of poor hygiene. Anyone is vulnerable – men, women, and kids.
- Itchy feet are a sign of infection. Other symptoms include redness, scaling, or flaking. Split, burning skin between the toes can indicate Athlete’s foot.
- Fungal infection of the toenails often appears as a change in the color or texture of the nails. Be alert to thickening, yellowing, peeling, cracking, or the development of white spots.
- With years of specialized education and experience, your podiatrist is the best-qualified doctor to diagnose and treat your fungal infection. Common approaches to resolve these infections include topical creams and sprays and laser therapy for toenail issues.
- You can reduce your risk of fungal infection. Wash feet daily with an antimicrobial soap and plenty of warm water. Dry well, especially between the toes. When you’re in a public space, create a barrier between your feet and surfaces that others walk on barefoot. Use plastic sandals in locker rooms and on pool decks, slippers in hotel rooms. If you enjoy an occasional salon pedicure, bring your tools and insist on a basin liner. Refuse to allow your nail tech to scrape your feet with a razor or grater. It can cause minor nicks that allow for opportunistic infections.
Are you worried about a fungal infection, or do you have another concern about the health and wellness of your feet, ankles, or lower legs? Call the friendly My Chicago Foot Expert staff at (773) 561-8100 or click here to schedule a visit with expert podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood office today.