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Skin & Nail Infections
What kinds of infections can occur in the foot?
Our skin is naturally covered in, and typically protected by fungus, yeasts, molds, viruses and bacteria. If the quality of the skin integrity is reduced by dryness (anhidrosis), excess moisture (hyperhidrosis, or maceration), or it has been broken, any of these organisms can create an infection if the conditions allow.
What would make me more at risk of an infection?
You are more at risk of infections with increased age, Diabetes, immunosuppression, sweaty or dry skin, or any pre-exising skin condition that leads to breaks in the skin. ​
Nail infections are common where there has been damage to the nail, nail folds, or cuticles.
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How are skin infections treated?
Depending on the infection type, and the environment that allowed it to thrive we would treat, and advise and treat accordingly.
For verrucae, which are HPV infections of the upper skin (epidermis), you can click here for specific treatment information.
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How are nail infections treated?
Our nails are most commonly infected by dermatophytes, but can also be infected by yeasts and molds and bacteria. Your treatment is taylored to the type of infection present, as well as any inherent predisposing factors (e.g. damaged / thickened / loosened / psoriatic nail or one that is subjected to pressure when walking etc).