Fungal infections are spread through communal bathing areas. A hot, dark, moist environment forms the ideal growing conditions for fungi; such as a shoe.

Treat most skin infections by using anti fungi creams, such as Canesten. For infections between the toes use Monphytol or neat Tea tree oil. These are available here at F.P.P. or at good pharmacies. ( Powders are not recommended). It is important to apply the cream to the affected areas twice daily until the signs have cleared up, and then it is imperative to keep using it for one month after this. Doing this will hopefully eradicate the remaining spores and thus stop recurrence of the infection.

Because fungi prefer a damp (dark) environment it is essential to dry the feet thoroughly after bathing, and in cases of profuse sweating - to use anti perspirants. Several methods may be used to keep the feet dry ( and thus limit fungal growth ) but there is no cure for profusely sweaty feet!

Bathing feet in a potassium permanganate foot bath can reduce sweating; dissolve 4-6 good sized crystals in a bowl of warm water. Use just enough water to cover the feet and bathe for ten minutes twice a week. You can always increase the dosage later if necessary. A formaldehyde foot bath is also useful; put 1-3 capfuls of 15% formaldehyde solution in a foot bath. For convenience, the use of Odaban spray is very effective. Unfortunately, reinfection from shoes (and socks) is often responsible for treatment failiure. Fungal spores can survive up to 100 hot machine washes!!

To remove fungal elements from shoes I recommend placing a small open container with 15% formaldehyde solution inside the shoe for about 10 hours. Cover the shoe lightly with paper. Do not wear the shoe for 24 hours, as irritation to the skin may be felt.

[Photo 1 Mycosis of the toe nail]

Fungal Infections of the Nails
During long term skin infections it is possible for the fungus to gain entry to the nail plate, often after injury to the nail, or during sport. An infected nail is usually thickened, with yellow / brown discolouration underneath. Different fungi shows different signs, and some skin ailments such as psoriasis may affect the nails in a similar way to a fungus.

For this reason it is impossible to accurately diagnose these conditions. In which case it may be advisable to have any suspicions of fungus confirmed by testing a sample of nail or skin in a laboratory. The results can take up to a month to be confirmed. Should the test prove positive, then there are several courses of treatment possible.

Successful treatment of the nails is not so easy to achieve and may take several months. The basic treament involves the chiropodist reducing the thickness of the nail every month or so; exposing the fungus and applying medication to the area. Between appointments you must apply anti fungal paints, such as Phytex, Trosyl*, Loceryl*, or Tea Tree oil to the area. ( * prescription only ) Should this treatment fail, the next step is to take a course of Lamisil tablets for 4 to 6 weeks. This drug is currently available only on prescription from your doctor.

In cases where the fungus has proved to be so resiliant, that all the treatments have failed, then it is possible to remove the nail plate surgically under local anaesthetic. During the proceedure a strong chemical is used to destroy the fungus. After the wound has healed, but before the nail has regrown ( after 4-6 weeks) - routine preparations should be used to make sure the treatment is successful. There is a 95% cure rate with this method.