What your podiatrists in Chicago want you to know

If you have athlete’s foot, you already know how itchy and annoying it can be. Showing off your feet can be an embarrassing experience. Fortunately, you don’t have to suffer from athlete’s foot because there are effective remedies. Your podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL, want to share the facts about athlete’s foot prevention and treatment.

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in moist, warm environments like public pools, showers, exercise facilities, and locker rooms. The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is to always wear shoes or flip-flops to avoid contact with the fungus. You should also keep your feet dry by changing your socks and shoes frequently to avoid exposing your feet to a sweaty environment for a long period of time.

Athlete’s foot has several identifiable signs and symptoms, including:

• Uncontrollable itching
• Red, scaly skin on your feet and toes
• Blisters, ulcers or open sores on your feet
• Itching that worsens when you take off your socks and shoes

If you experience any of these signs and symptoms and think you might have athlete’s foot, you can try some tips at home. Remember to:

• Wash your feet daily with antibacterial soap
• Apply over-the-counter antifungal cream daily
• Change your socks regularly to keep your feet dry

For stubborn cases of athlete’s foot, it’s best to visit the experts, your podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists. They can prescribe topical and oral antifungal medications to stop the itch and get rid of the fungus for good.

Remember that athlete’s foot fungus can spread so never share linens, mats, socks, or other personal items with others if you have athlete’s foot. Also, try not to scratch or pick at the rash because it can infect your hands by burrowing underneath your fingernails.

You don’t have to put up with the itchy, annoying problem of athlete’s foot. Get some help and relief today by calling your podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists in Chicago, IL. You and your feet deserve to look and feel great, so call today!

Are your toenails yellow, thick and brittle? It is estimated that 10 percent of Americans have toenail fungus. Don't be embarrassed by this podiatric condition(onychomycosis): it's more easily treated than you may think. At Affiliated Podiatrists, in Chicago, IL, your board-certified podiatrists see scores of patients who want normal, healthy toenails. Learn about Pinpointe Laser treatments which effectively eliminate toenail fungus in the Near North area.

The details on toenail fungus

The symptoms of toenail fungus in the Near North, Chicago area are familiar: thickened, yellow nails, brittleness, changes in shape and texture, and sometimes a vague odor. Often accompanied by athlete's foot, onychomycosis spreads from one foot to the other and to members of the same household via shared pedicure tools, towels, and shower tiles.

People develop onychomycosis for several reasons:

1. Moist, dark environments such as sweaty shoes and sneakers
2. Exposure to the fungus poolside, in the gym locker room or in other public places where people walk barefoot
3. Having a compromised immune system (patients with diabetes and HIV as examples)
4. Poor foot hygiene

Treatment options

Your podiatrist will examine your toenails for signs of fungal infection. While many doctors prescribe topical treatments and/or oral medications for this condition, the doctors at Affiliated Podiatrists. offer a more effective solution--laser therapy with the amazing Pinepointe Laser.

Performed in the office in about 45 minutes, laser treatment of fungal toenails is very comfortable, requires no special preparation and has no downtime. Typically, the doctor delivers a focused beam of light across the entire surface of the toenail, eradicating the fungus completely. He normally repeats the process overall ten nails to ensure no re-infection.

Afterwards , nails grow out straight, clear, and without that yellow or brown color characteristic of fungal nails. You'll have completely new, beautiful nails within months. Antifungal powder for your shoes and some topical cream helps prevent reoccurrence.

Additionally, practice diligent foot hygiene:

• Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly
• Wear clean socks every day
• Avoid going barefoot in public areas
• Do not share toenail clippers or towels
• Wear well-ventilated shoes in the hot weather

What's your treatment goal?

Of course, your goal is toenails that look as good as they feel. If you have signs of fungal problems, please contact Affiliated Podiatrists for a consultation with a member of our professional team in the Near North, Chicago, IL, area. Call (773) 202-8800.

Our practice is growing! Drs. Feder & Kalk are pleased to announce that Dr. David Kretch has become their newest Associate at Affiliated Podiatrists. Dr. Kretch has recently concluded a 3 year Podiatric Surgical Residency at Rush University Medical Center where he served as Chief Resident.

“Dr. Kretch is like one of the family!” states Dr. Marc Feder. “We couldn’t be happier to have him as our newest associate of this practice.” adds Dr. Jason Kalk.

Dr. Jake Richey continues as an Associate of our group of doctors. The doctors are thrilled to have added young, bright, skilled podiatrists to their group who offer our patients expert foot & ankle care without delay.

Complemented by a support staff of nine full-time employees, we’re poised to handle all foot & ankle problems in an out-patient or (if necessary) an in-patient setting.