Why Senior Citizens Face Greater Risks from Fungal Foot Infections

How Our Caldwell and Meridian Podiatrists Address the Problem of Fungal Infections in Aging Feet

Fungus really does live among us. However, while different types of fungi—such as mold and mushrooms—have distinctly and easily recognizable appearances, other varieties are far too small to see with the naked eye. Even inadvertent and momentary exposure could put your feet at risk for infection, the consequences of which can be particularly serious for senior citizens.

Older adults should never ignore the early warning signs of a fungal infection on their feet and in their nail beds. At Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle, we work hard to ensure our Meridian and Caldwell neighbors receive experienced, compassionate care for all their podiatric needs. Learn more about the risks of fungal foot infections, then contact us today to schedule an appointment if you need help.

Senior Citizens and the Increased Risk of Fungal Infections

Almost anyone can get a fungal infection, even if they’re healthy and take good care of their feet. Unfortunately, senior citizens tend to be more susceptible to fungal infections than younger adults. In fact, scientists have identified aging as one of the most significant risk factors associated with more serious forms of infection. This is because:

Older adults don’t always have the best peripheral circulation, meaning that their body sometimes struggles to transport, distribute, and exchange blood throughout sensitive tissue.

Living longer exposes your feet to unavoidable trauma. Over the course of many years, routine activities like walking and running can weaken your nails and make them more prone to injury.

Aging compromises the immune system and slows nail recovery, making it more difficult for the body to fight off different kinds of infections.

Recognizing the Signs of Common Fungal Infections

Person's foot with bad fungal infection | Experienced Idaho Podiatrist

Although many senior citizens typically have more problems with their feet and nails, fungal infections aren’t always easy to spot. Instead, they often trigger mild symptoms that are sometimes easy to ignore but might cause bigger problems if left untreated. The two most common types of foot fungal infections and their symptoms include the following.

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that usually starts between the toes before spreading to the sides of the feet and the sole. Signs include:

Itchy, peeling skin in between the toes

Scaly skin on the sides of the feet

Moist skin and blisters, which are sometimes accompanied by an unpleasant smell

Tinea pedis is usually caused by contact with fungal spores, which may be present in the environment or picked up from an infected person. Taking antibiotics can also increase your risk for athlete’s foot since certain medications make your immune system focus on other pathogens, creating an opportunity for fungus to spread with much less resistance.

Onychomycosis

Fungal infections of the toenails are called onychomycosis. In its early stages, onychomycosis may only cause small spots of yellow or brown underneath the nail beds. But as it goes deeper, it could prompt symptoms like:

Thickened or discolored nails

Nails that are brittle and crumble easily

Misshapen nails or those that become separated from the nailbed

An unusual and unpleasant smell

Onychomycosis is very common in older adults, especially those who have peripheral artery disease and diabetes.

How Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Treats Fungal Infections in Aging Feet

Generally, fungal infections are rarely life-threatening, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a real and significant toll on older adults’ feet. Someone managing preexisting conditions—such as diabetes, immune system disorders, untreated wounds, and poor circulation—might develop additional complications both with their primary medical issue and struggle to resolve foot and other infections.

Depending on the cause of your infection, its symptoms, and any other health conditions you may have, your podiatrist might recommend:

Using over-the-counter creams and ointments to resolve mild cases of athlete’s foot or toenail fungus.
Taking prescription-strength medication to kill more stubborn infections and prevent their immediate recurrence.
The surgical or chemical removal of a toenail that’s too damaged or too badly infected to recover by itself.

Minor fungal infections that aren’t painful or don’t cause any noticeable discomfort can typically be treated at home, but you should make an appointment with one of our podiatrists in Caldwell or Meridian today if you have diabetes or experience worrying symptoms like extreme itchiness or changes to the color and texture of your feet and nails.