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What are the causes of Fungal Infection?

Fungal infection is when the skin on the foot or toes becomes infected with a fungus. This foot injury usually takes the form of red, flaky skin usually between the toes and thickened discoloured toenails.

• Wearing socks or tights with moist feet. The fungus will then grow. Wearing trainers creates the ideal breeding ground for fungus
• The fungus can enter the nail bed through a damaged or broken nail
• Fungus from the toes can spread to the skin, especially the space between the toes
• It can spread very easily through communal areas, such as bathrooms and changing rooms

What are the symptoms of Fungal Infection?

• Yellowish brown or green toenails. The nails are also course and brittle
• There might be a layer of gunk under the nail, which will smell

Treatment tips

• If the fungus has penetrated the nail bed, the nail will need long term treatment
• Seeing your GP for tablets may be an option if many of the toenails are infected
• If only one of the nails is affected and the thickness of the nail is only moderate, topical creams or ointments can be used
• If you are using topical treatments it can be useful to file down the nail before applying the cream. This will allow the treatment to penetrate the nail more effectively
• Skin infections usually respond better to topical creams and treatments. The treatment should be continued until the infection has gone
• Feet should be cleaned regularly. Feet should be dried thoroughly, including between the toes. It is very important not to share towels as this can spread the infection to others
• Change your socks or tights regularly
• Do not wear the same pair of shoes all the time. Rotate footwear