We offer modern foot care services.
Our foot care nurse provides foot care and treatment services, addressing various issues such as calluses, ingrown nails, corns, warts, and care for nails affected by fungal infections.
You can also consult with the foot care nurse, during which the condition of the feet and nails is assessed, and a personalized treatment plan is developed. Unlike a regular pedicure, medical pedicure is more thorough and personalized, suitable for everyone: children, women, and men.
Foot Fungal Infection and Nail Fungus
A foot fungal infection is an infection of the skin, hair, and nails caused by dermatophyte fungi. Dermatophytes are aerobic fungi capable of breaking down and absorbing keratin, allowing them to parasitize the keratinized tissues of humans (hair, nails). The condition is very common, with approximately 70% of people contracting it at some point in their lifetime.
Causes and Risk Factors
Infection occurs when a sufficient amount of infectious material contacts the skin (for example, by wearing someone else’s shoes or being barefoot in public saunas or shower rooms) in a conducive environment for fungal growth. Risk factors include:
- Microtraumas
- Excessive foot sweating
- Skin maceration
- Closed footwear
- Warm and humid climate
- Poor blood circulation in the feet
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression
Symptoms
The symptoms of a foot fungal infection include itching, scaling, unpleasant odor, excessive sweating of the feet, and in cases of cracks, stinging and pain. There are three types of foot fungal infections:
- Interdigital (between the toes) – Typically starts between the 4th and 5th toes. The skin is moist, macerated (wrinkled), and pale. Cracks form between and beneath the toes, accompanied by mild scaling.
- Hyperkeratotic (moccasin type) – Mild redness on the soles with fine white scaling in the skin grooves. Inflammation may spread from the heel to the sides of the foot, while the top of the foot remains unaffected.
- Vesicular (dyshidrotic) – After a long symptom-free period, itchy blisters suddenly appear, usually on the arch or ball of the foot. The blisters may contain cloudy or purulent fluid. When they rupture, erosion, scaling, and redness develop. Bacterial infection with pustule formation may occur as a complication. Vigorous scratching may result in blood-filled blisters.
Nail Fungus Symptoms
When nails are affected, the nail plate changes color, develops spots or streaks, becomes deformed, and starts crumbling.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is done through microscopic and cultural testing by collecting material from skin scales, blister fluid, nails, or other sources to identify the pathogen.
Treatment
Treatment can be either topical or systemic.
- Topical Treatment: Gels, ointments, and creams are used for mild to moderate infections.
- Systemic Treatment: Tablets or capsules are required for extensive or severe infections. Systemic treatment may also be necessary for patients with diabetes, circulatory disorders in the limbs, or suppressed immune systems (due to medication or diseases).
