Scaly, itchy feet and thick, yellow toenails are the result of a common fungal infection. This common skin and nail fungus is acquired by contact with contaminated floor surfaces, shoes, towels, nail files and clippers.
Athlete’s foot is best treated with a prescription antifungal cream used daily for at least 2 months. Early treatment of athlete’s foot fungus can help prevent the development of toenail fungus.
Toenails can become infected due to migration of the fungus from the skin into the nearby toenails. Toenail fungus typically requires daily treatment with antifungal pills for at least 3 months (Lamisil) or once-weekly pills for at least a year (fluconazole) for complete cure. Prescription nail lacquers containing antifungal ingredients are helpful too, with the best results usually achieved in combination with pills.
Re-infection is common if precautions are not taken to prevent re-exposure to sources of dermatophyte fungi, such as avoidance of infected floor surfaces, shoes, nail grooming tools and nail salons.
Lillian Soohoo, MD, Board-Certified Dermatologist | GSD Mountain View, CA & Los Gatos, CA
