Madura Foot
What is Madura Foot?
Madura foot is terrible, destructive infection of the skin and deeper tissues. Oftentimes, the infection can reach deeper tissues such as muscle and bone.
It is noted that different species of fungus or bacteria can cause madura foot.
In the United States, Madura foot is most often caused by an organism called Pseudallescheria boydii. Now that’s a mouth full!
Although Madura foot may occur throughout the world, it is most common in dry, tropical, and rural settings. Therefore, this may not be seen very often in Texas, especially North Texas.
Madura foot is usually painless and has 3 characteristic features:
1. Formation of a nodule or lump at the site where the organism is first received, such as a penetrating injury like a puncture wound.
2. There is noted pus and tunneling into the skin at the site of the wound.
3. There is noted “grains” or “granules” within the drainage.
The infection can cause severe swelling and enlargement of the affected leg or foot. The infection can become painful if bone is involved.
Treatment often involves antibiotics and antifungal medications, but amputation is often the end result.
If you feel you may have Madura foot, please come see Dr. Williams or Dr. Silvers and we can refer to the proper Infectious Disease specialist.
Crazy Shoes: Are These For Real?
I thought you guys might get a laugh when looking at these absurd shoes.
Enjoy! Have a great day!
P.S. – These are not recommended to wear.
~Dr. Williams
Gangrene
Description
Gangrene of the skin is associated with the loss of blood supply of a particular area. In some instances, it is caused by bacterial infection of an open sore or ulceration. The most common form of gangrene develops in the feet of people with diabetes who also have associated loss of circulation in the feet and toes. Any person with poor circulation can develop gangrene. A sudden onset of pain in the feet or legs associated with a decrease in skin temperature, and color changes to the skin of the feet is a strong indication that there has been a sudden blockage of blood flow to the legs. This condition needs immediate medical attention. People who have diabetes may not experience pain associated with such an event because of a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy affects the nerves of the feet and legs causing a diminished ability to perceive pain, excessive heat, cold, vibration, or excessive pressure. This condition places people who have diabetes at greater risk of injury from any source without their being aware of it. For instance, a patient with diabetes can develop an ingrown toenail, and if they also have diabetic neuropathy, they may not experience the same level of pain as someone without the neuropathy. As a consequence the ingrown toenail can worsen, and become infected without providing the warning signs of pain. If the person with diabetes also has poor circulation, the infection can lead to gangrene of the toe. This situation can ultimately lead to the amputation of the toe, foot, or leg, depending upon how bad the circulation is in the leg.
Treatment
Treatment consists of surgical removal of the gangrene, surgery to improve the circulation (by-pass surgery), hyperbaric oxygen treatment and IV antibiotics.
Severe infections can also cause gangrene. The flesh-eating bacterium called Hemolytic Streptococcus is a rapidly spreading infection. Intense local heat, redness, swelling, fever, and weakness characterize this rapidly developing infection. The infection can start with a small abrasion or injury. This condition requires immediate medical treatment. It can result in amputation and/or death. Treatment consists of surgical removal of the infected tissue and IV antibiotics and supportive care as needed for any failing body functions.
If you have gangrene and are unsure what to do, please come see Dr. Williams and Dr. Silvers for our medical advice and guidance.
Skin Disorders
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the feet, usually occurring between the toes. Symptoms include pain, burning, itching, cracking, scaling, and swelling. Sometimes the infection can spread to the soles of the feet and to the toenails and if untreated, can infect other parts of the body as well.
A fungus that becomes active when exposed to a warm and moist environment or when there is a change in the condition of the skin causes athlete’s foot. Contrary to popular belief, athlete’s foot is not found just in the locker rooms, although the moist environment of pool and shower areas is perfect for harboring fungus. Shoes and socks are also breading grounds because they tend to accumulate perspiration and moisture. Thus your shoes should be treated with Lysol Disinfectant Spray if you suspect athlete’s foot. Anyone can get athlete’s foot. Some people are more prone to fungal infections because of their age, heredity or health conditions. Geriatrics are more susceptible because as there skin ages, it becomes thinner and dryer and is less able to guard against fungal infections. People with diseases that lower their resistance to infection are also at increased risk and should take preventive measures to keep athlete’s foot in check. It is important to treat athlete’s foot when symptoms first occur to keep the infection form spreading to other parts of the body. Some over the counter products are effective for most cases of athlete’s foot. Recurrence is common if treatment is terminated too early or if the fungus is still lingering inside shoes and socks. If the problem still persists, make an appointment at McKinney Foot Center or at your local Podiatrist office. You can prevent athlete’s foot by keeping your feet clean and dry. Always wear clean socks and try not to walk barefoot in community areas.
Sweaty Feet (Hyperhydrosis)
The tendency to sweat excessively is called hyperhydrosis. I addition to causing foot odor, walking on sweaty feet can pave the way for fungus growth and other infections. If your feet sweat, be especially careful to keep them dry and clean. Use an antiperspirant powder or spray and change your socks whenever they become damp. McKinney Foot Center carries a product called On Your Toes that works very well for malodorous feet. Call us if you would like to purchase this product from our office.