Athlete's Foot Treatment From A Top Foot Doctor
Athlete's Foot & Fungal Nails Treatment
Having healthy feet is crucial for our overall well-being, but conditions like nail fungus and athlete's foot can sometimes get in the way. Nail fungus begins as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail, and as the fungal infection goes deeper, the nail may discolor, thicken, and crumble at the edges.
Athlete's foot is another common, contagious fungal infection. It typically develops between the toes but can spread to the toenails and other body parts if untreated. Athlete's foot generally presents symptoms such as itching, burning, and cracked or peeling skin.
Our Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio team recognizes the inconvenience and discomfort these conditions can cause. Our highly qualified and experienced podiatrists understand that nail fungus and athlete's foot can be persistent and challenging to eliminate. That's why we offer advanced treatments to address these conditions and help you achieve healthy, happy feet.
When it comes to treating nail fungus, multiple options are available based on the severity and specifics of the condition. Topical treatments, such as antifungal creams and ointments, can be applied directly to the infected nail. While these can be effective, they often require consistent and prolonged use to eradicate the fungus entirely. Another common treatment is oral antifungal medication, which can help clear the infection more quickly and thoroughly.
Athlete's foot can also be addressed with various treatment strategies to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, and powders are often the first line of defense and can be quite effective for mild cases. More severe or resistant cases might require prescription-strength medications. Your podiatrist might also recommend specific hygiene practices, such as keeping your feet dry and avoiding tight-fitting shoes, to prevent the fungus from flourishing.
Don't let nail fungus or athlete's foot affect your daily life. Effective treatment options are available, and with expert care at FASCO, you can get back to enjoying your activities without discomfort or embarrassment.
Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio
Treatment For Corns & Plantar Warts
Corns are thickened areas of skin that usually form on the toes, sides, or soles of the feet. They develop due to repetitive friction, pressure, or rubbing, often from ill-fitting shoes or frequently walking barefoot. Corns can be hard or soft, with hard corns typically forming on the tops or sides of the toes, while soft corns usually develop between the toes. These areas of thick, hardened skin can become painful if left untreated, especially when walking or standing for long periods.
Plantar warts, on the other hand, are caused by a viral infection from the human papillomavirus (HPV). These warts typically appear on the soles of the feet and can often be mistaken for corns or calluses. They present as small, rough growths that might have tiny black dots on their surface, which are actually small, clotted blood vessels. Walking and standing can become painful as plantar warts grow inward due to the pressure applied to them.
At FASCO, we understand the discomfort and inconvenience caused by corns and plantar warts. Our team of experienced podiatrists is adept at diagnosing and treating these conditions with a variety of effective solutions.
For corns, the initial step usually involves identifying and eliminating the source of pressure or friction. This could mean advising a change in footwear, suggesting orthotic inserts, or providing padding to reduce the impacted area. In some cases, our podiatrists might gently trim away the thickened skin using sterile instruments to reduce pain and pressure.
We also offer more advanced treatments for stubborn or painful corns. These could include medicated patches containing salicylic acid to help soften and gradually remove the corn. For patients with more severe cases or underlying health conditions like diabetes, our specialists may explore additional methods to prevent complications and ensure comprehensive care.
Plantar warts typically require a different approach. Our treatment options include various methods to remove the wart and address the underlying viral infection. Topical treatments containing salicylic acid or other chemicals can be applied to the wart to facilitate peeling away the infected skin layers. Freezing, or cryotherapy, is another effective method where liquid nitrogen is used to freeze the wart, causing it to eventually fall off. Alternatively, minor surgical procedures might be an option for particularly stubborn warts, wherein the wart is carefully excised under local anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the risks if nail fungus and athlete's foot go untreated?
If left untreated, nail fungus and athlete's foot can lead to more serious complications. Nail fungus can cause the nails to become thickened, discolored, and even deformed, potentially making walking or standing painful. Long-term infections can also spread to other nails or even to the skin.
Athlete's foot, being highly contagious, can spread to other body parts, including the hands and groin. Severe untreated cases can lead to secondary bacterial infections, especially if blisters or cracked skin become infected.
Can over-the-counter treatments cure nail fungus and athlete's foot?
Over-the-counter treatments can be effective for mild cases of nail fungus and athlete's foot. Topical antifungal creams, sprays, and powders work well to reduce symptoms and eliminate fungal infections if used consistently and correctly.
However, more severe infections often require prescription-strength medications or specialized treatments recommended by a podiatrist. It’s important to follow the full course of any treatment to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated and to prevent recurrence.
What preventive measures can I take to avoid corns and plantar warts?
Preventing corns and plantar warts largely involves proper foot care and hygiene.
- Wear well-fitting shoes that provide adequate cushioning and support, especially if you spend long hours on your feet.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas.
- Regularly moisturize your feet to help prevent corns caused by dry, hardened skin.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
How can I schedule an appointment for wart treatment near me?
At Foot and Ankle Specialists of Central Ohio, we make it easy to schedule an appointment with an experienced and board-certified podiatrist near you. Either schedule an appointment with us online or give your nearest FASCO office a call. We are excited to see you and help keep your feet healthy!