Foot and nail fungus is annoying and itchy. If you have diabetes or another condition that affects blood flow to your feet, it can also increase your risk of infection. Dr. Robert A. Raley and his team provide same-day treatment for foot and nail fungus, including topical ointments, oral antifungal medication, and Genesis Plus® laser therapy. To make an appointment, call the office in Kankakee, Illinois, or book online today.
Foot and nail fungus is a fungal infection of your feet or toenails. The conditions are often mentioned together, but there are differences, including:
Foot fungus, or Athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes. It causes your skin to become red and itchy and peel away.
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of your nail tissue. Nail fungus looks like a small white or yellow dot at first. As the fungus spreads, your nail begins to thicken, crumble, and break away.
The symptoms of foot and nail fungus include:
If you have foot or nail fungus, you might also notice a foul odor when you take your shoes or socks off.
Make an appointment with Dr. Raley if you experience any symptoms of foot and nail fungus and they don’t improve with at-home treatments, like over-the-counter lotions or ointments. That’s especially true if you have an underlying medical condition, like diabetes, that affects circulation to your feet.
To diagnose foot and nail fungus, Dr. Raley reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, if they’re worse at certain times of the day, and if you’ve tried over-the-counter antifungal treatments.
Next, Dr. Raley examines your feet and toenails, looking for signs of a fungal infection, like peeling and inflamed skin or thick and brittle nails. Most fungal infections are visible to the eye, but Dr. Raley might also take a small sample of skin or nail tissue and send it to a lab for analysis.
Treatment of foot and nail fungus depends on various factors, including your age, the severity of the infection, and the intensity of your symptoms. Dr. Raley and the team might recommend:
If you have a severe fungal infection, Dr. Raley might recommend a combination of treatments to ensure the fungus doesn’t come back.
To explore the treatment options for foot and nail fungus, make an appointment at the practice of Dr. Robert A. Raley by calling the office or booking online today.