Foot infection can be painful and certainly can be ugly, particularly during the summer when feet are exposed.

A foot infection can invade part or the entire foot often due to an injury or an open wound. It can be bacterial, fungal, or viral in nature.

Check for the telltale symptoms such as pain, inflammation, and pus.  The point of this topic is to be sure the public realizes that foot infections require prompt treatment to prevent the infection from spreading and to prevent the infection causing serious or long-term health problems.  Your podiatrist should be contacted quickly when you recognize your foot is infected.

Causes

Foot infections can be caused by virus, bacteria, or fungi. An existing injury or open wound makes the foot vulnerable to different bacteria and viruses that may enter the body through a skin opening. It is very easy for the foot to pick up bacteria and viruses.  You should realize that even a little cut can easily get infected.

Fungal infections, however, tend to occur differently. Most fungal infections are caused by direct skin contact with contaminated surfaces commonly found in public places and crowded areas. These infections are also contagious and can be easily spread by skin contact. Fungal infections can also easily spread from the foot to another part of the body.

 Caution

When left untreated, infection can worsen and may even cause widespread infection in the body.  The culprit is bacteria. Bacterial infection can spread very easily, and may begin in the skin and penetrate the deeper layers of soft tissue, bone, and even the blood, causing blood poisoning or septicaemia.

Types

The different types of foot infections --  classified as either soft tissue or bone infections -- include:

• Cellulitis: Bacterial infection of the skin
• Athlete’s foot: Fungal infection of the skin
• Abscess: Accumulation of pus in the deeper tissues of the foot
• Septic arthritis: Infection of the joint
• Septic bursitis: Infection of the bursa
• Osteomyelitis: Infection of the bone
• Nail infections

Risk Factors

There are certain risk factors that may increase a person’s likelihood of getting a foot infection. These include:

• Underlying diseases – People who are suffering from underlying conditions such as diabetes are more prone to foot infections.
• Existing injury  -- People who may have already sustained an injury or have a foot wound.
• Exposure to contaminated areas – This is a common risk factor for people who spend a lot of time in warm, moist public places, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.