Fox News-No one likes looking at fungus – least of all when it’s growing on a person’s foot.
With sandal season upon us – and fungus breeds in hot, moist areas – it’s time to talk about the prevention and treatment of foot and toenail fungus.
“Fungus is an opportunistic organism – it’s all over the place in the summer,” said Dr. Suzanne Levine, a board-certified podiatric surgeon based in New York City. “It’s there when we are playing sports, in the showers, on the beaches, especially if we are perspiring. It loves moisture.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of a fungal infection within the foot include:
— Thickened toenails
— Brittle, crumbly toenails
— Discolored toenails
— Itchy, scratchy skin
— Blistering skin
— Toe pain and/or a slightly foul odor
Fungal infections can begin in the nail or the skin, Levine said and then spread to other. If it starts in the nail, it can stem from an infection or trauma, and lead to a more dangerous condition, such as cellulitis.
