Foot infections can develop when an infecting organism enters the body through an opening due to a foot injury, wound or condition. There may be changes in skin color (especially redness), an increase in skin temperature, swelling, pain, drainage, odor, or fever. Foot infections can be due to bacteria, fungus, viruses, or parasites.
Causes
Bacteria-caused foot infections include:
- Ingrown toenails
- Osteomyelitis – a bone infection
- Abscess – a collection of pus
- Erthrasma – an infection that occurs most often between the third and fourth toes
- Paroncychia –an infection that develops along the edge of a toenail
Fungus-caused foot infections include:
- Athletes foot – an infection that usually begins between the toes but can affect the bottom of the foot
- Onychomycosis – an infection of the toenails
- Ringworm – an infection caused by microscopic organisms that live on the dead outer layer of the skin
Virus-caused foot infections include:
- Warts – non-cancerous skin growths caused by the human papilloma virus
- Hand, foot and mouth disease – infection caused by the coxsackie virus that causes a rash on the feet
Parasite-caused infections include:
- Beach Worm – an infection common to tropical climate beaches and barefooted beach goers
- Hook worm – an intestinal infection that comes from soil. When it enters the body through the foot it causes extreme itching and a red rash at the entry point.
Other Causes
Sometimes, however, the infections are systemic and come through the bloodstream from other infections within the body. Systemic foot infections can be related to diabetes, chronic kidney or liver disease, autoimmune disorders, gout, AIDS, cancer, peripheral vascular disease, and malnourishment.
In these cases, there may be no outward signs of the infection. Persons affected by such conditions have to be extra vigilant with regards to their feet.
Treatment
Treatment for a toe, foot, or ankle infection depends on its location, type, and severity as well as when the injury, wound, or condition became infected. Consideration is also given to your age, health status, and activity requirements. Non-surgical treatment options include general first aid and medicines. Surgery is an option in some cases. With all manners of treatment, the desired outcome is to prevent the infection from spreading up the leg to other parts of the body and to prevent serious complications that require amputation or that result in death.
More Information
If you have a toe, foot, or ankle infection, Dr. Jeffrey Burmeister, DPM, and his experienced staff are ready to fully diagnose, treat, and see you on your way to pain-free living. Schedule an appointment by completing an online appointment request at www.jacksonvillefootandlaser.com/contact.html or by calling (904) 765-8889.
