​Onychomycosis (Fungus on toenails) is a very common problem among the population in North America. According to the National Institutes of Health in the United States In North America, the incidence of onychomycosis is up to 14% in the general population, with fungal infection responsible for 50% of all nail diseases. Here in Canada, the incidence of toenail fungus is up to 20 % of the population. Trichophyton rubrum is the most common microorganism in cases of fungal toenail infections. The pathogen is commonly found in public places associated with humid conditions. Such places as public showers, gyms, locker rooms, and pools have a higher incidence of these microorganisms. Fungal infections flourish in warm dark humid environments such as the inside of shoes and boots. Risk factors include diabetes, circulatory or immune system problems as well as excessive sweating. People who have frequent athlete’s foot skin infections are more susceptible to toenail fungal infections.

Onychomycosis - Toenail Fungus

Risk Factors Athlete's Feet

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Verdun: 514-768-5060

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260, Chemin de la Grande-Côte​

• Humidity, Darkness and Heat (ideal conditions for the growth of fungal microorganisms)
  
• Wet humid feet for long periods of time (wet shoes or boots)
  
• People who have excessive perspiration (wet sweaty feet)
  
• Poor foot hygiene
  
• Being barefoot in public places (pools, locker rooms, showers, hotel rooms etc.)
  
• Sharing shoes, socks, towels with a person who has a fungal infection
  
• Poor circulation, Immune system disorders
  
• Certain medications that weaken your immune system 
  
• People who have Diabetes
  

• The appearance of a red scaly rash
  
• Bad odours coming from the feet or footwear
  
• Itching, stinging or burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet
  
• Cracking or Desquamation (peeling of skin especially between the toes)
  
• Bullae or fluid-filled blisters can form on the surface of the skin
  
• Dry skin on the soles of the feet that does not improve after applying hydrating creams
  
• Patches of red raw skin on the feet
  
• Calluses (thickened hard skin)​
  
• Fissuring or cracks in the skin
  

​Athlete's foot ( Tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by a dermatophyte (a pathogenic fungus that grows on the skin). Sometimes it is referred to as Ringworm because it can cause a red itchy circular rash. It can be found anywhere on the foot, as well as between the toes. Dermatophytes can also attack the toenails also known as Onychomycosis. People who have frequent athlete’s foot skin infections are more susceptible to toenail fungal infections.

Athlete's foot (Tinea pedis) 

Dr. Darrell Bevacqua, Podiatrist

Athlete’s Foot Symptoms

Dr. Darrell Bevacqua, Podiatrist  
25 Yrs. of professional experience

Doctor of podiatric medicine

Post doctoral residency, Podiatric Medicine & Surgery

Brooklyn V.A.M.C., Brooklyn, New York 

Clinicien | Chargé de cours  
Département des Sciences de l’activité physique 
Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières
3351, boul. des Forges,Trois-Rivières (Québec) 

Clinique podiatrique de Verdun  
3954a Wellington, Verdun (Montréal)

Tél : (514) 768 – 5060

The treatments above are common but it is possible your Podiatrist may prescribe a different modality of treatment depending on your specific condition. 

Visit our page on Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis) Click Here

Consult A Certified & Experienced Podiatrist

• Over the counter anti-fungal creams and powders
• Oral anti-fungal medications
  
• Antiperspirants for hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) e.g., Drysol
  
• Topical corticosteroids in cases of painful inflammation​
  
• Topical antifungal and Corticosteroid agent combinations 
  

Foot pain is never normal. It is always best to consult a reputable and devoted Podiatrist.

Treatment of Athlete's Foot