Foot Fungus Doctor in Tustin, CA

Foot fungus is a fungal infection that may affect the skin on the bottom of the foot, the toes, and sometimes the heels. Caused by fungi such as Trichophyton rubrum, it is the most common type of skin disease of the feet and may also be known as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. It can occur due to the overgrowth and proliferation of the fungus on the skin of the feet and is usually spread from one person to another through contact with infected feet. Common breeding grounds for foot fungus include warm, moist environments like locker rooms; when showering at the gym, it is important to wear flip flops in order to prevent contracting foot fungus. Foot fungus should be treated right away to prevent skin infections and the spread of the fungus.

There are a few different types of fungi that can cause an infection on the feet, including:

Tinea Pedis — Occurring due to dermatophyte fungi, which require keratin for growth and can cause infections on the skin, hair, and nails, tinea pedis can be caused by a number of different fungi, including:

• Trichophyton rubrum
• Epidermophyton floccosum
• Trichophyton interdigitale

Onychomycosis — Commonly affecting the toenails, onychomycosis can occur due to:

• Dermatophytes, such as Trichophyton rubrum, T. interdigitale
• Yeasts, such as Candida albicans
• Molds, such as Scopulariopsis brevicaulis

While it does not usually cause pain, making it easy to ignore, foot fungus does not heal on its own. In the early stages, it may not seem like a big deal, but it may be a cause for concern when it gets worse.

If toenail fungus is left untreated, the nail can grow thicker and harder, growing deformed and losing its shape. This will make it difficult to walk or cause pain while walking, and can also make it painful and uncomfortable to wear shoes. In addition, if foot fungus is left untreated, it can spread to the other parts of the body because fungi spread easily. If it spreads to the other parts of the foot, it can cause the athlete’s foot, resulting in itchy, red, and scaly skin.

For people living with diabetes or other diseases that compromise the immune system, such as autoimmune diseases, the infection can get worse because it is harder to manage. When the immune system is weak or compromised, the fungus can spread uncontrollably.

If the infection is left unchecked, it can continue to the point where the nail detaches from the nail bed and falls off. Even if the nail falls off, the fungus is still present; this can prevent the nail from growing back healthy. If the infection is ignored to heal on its own, it will only get harder to treat. If you are experiencing the signs and symptoms of foot fungus, come to Tustin Podiatry Clinic today. Our foot specialists are experienced at treating foot fungus and can help you rid yourself of the infection. Call us today to book an appointment with our foot fungus doctor, or visit our clinic conveniently located at 17400 Irvine Blvd Suite-H, Tustin, CA 92780. We look forward to serving you!