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Waldorf Office

(301)-843-9581

Clinton Office

(301)-868-3899

California Office

(301)-690-6044

Preventing Fungal Foot Infections

A fungus is a common mold. It thrives in dark places that are moist and warm. The fungal infections that we treat most frequently at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle are athlete’s foot (also called tinea pedis) and fungal toenails. Fungal infections are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact. In some cases infections develop because of environment (closed-in shoes, sweaty socks, heat, humidity) and in other instances a weakened immune system from diseases such as diabetes can increase the likelihood of contracting a fungal foot infection. The good news is you can take steps to help prevent fungal infections. Here are some tips:

  • Wear shoes made of natural materials that breathe and are designed to allow air to circulate around your feet.

  • If you sweat excessively, consider changing your socks more than once a day.

    A fungus is a common mold. It thrives in dark places that are moist and warm. The fungal infections that we treat most frequently at Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle are athlete’s foot (also called tinea pedis) and fungal toenails. Fungal infections are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact. In some cases infections develop because of environment (closed-in shoes, sweaty socks, heat, humidity) and in other instances a weakened immune system from diseases such as diabetes can increase the likelihood of contracting a fungal foot infection. The good news is you can take steps to help prevent fungal infections. Here are some tips:

    • Wear shoes made of natural materials that breathe and are designed to allow air to circulate around your feet.

    • If you sweat excessively, consider changing your socks more than once a day.

    • Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

    • Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as gyms, locker rooms, community swimming pools, dorm showers.

    • Wash feet daily and dry completely, especially between your toes.

    • Don’t share socks, shoes, nail clippers or files.

    • If you get professional pedicures check to see that your salon follows proper sanitizing and disinfecting practices for foot baths and nail implements.

    • Dust feet with anti-fungal powder if you are susceptible to fungal infections.

  • If you notice itchy, red, scaly skin or toenails that appear discolored or thickened and crumbling, make an appointment at our Waldorf or Clinton office. Our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Larry J. Hotchkiss, will examine your skin and toenails and prescribe the appropriate treatment if it is determined that you do have a fungal infection. Left untreated, fungal infections can spread to other parts of the foot or body so if you see symptoms, don’t delay in seeking medical care.

  • Don’t wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

  • Avoid walking barefoot in public places such as gyms, locker rooms, community swimming pools, dorm showers.

  • Wash feet daily and dry completely, especially between your toes.

  • Don’t share socks, shoes, nail clippers or files.

  • If you get professional pedicures check to see that your salon follows proper sanitizing and disinfecting practices for foot baths and nail implements.

  • Dust feet with anti-fungal powder if you are susceptible to fungal infections.

If you notice itchy, red, scaly skin or toenails that appear discolored or thickened and crumbling, make an appointment at our Waldorf or Clinton office. Our board certified podiatrist, Dr. Larry J. Hotchkiss, will examine your skin and toenails and prescribe the appropriate treatment if it is determined that you do have a fungal infection. Left untreated, fungal infections can spread to other parts of the foot or body so if you see symptoms, don’t delay in seeking medical care.

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule (Closed for Lunch from 11:30 am - 12:15 pm)

Clinton Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Waldorf Office

Monday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

7:00 am-3:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

California Office

Monday:

Closed

Tuesday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Closed

Thursday:

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed