Blaines Pedal Candida Information

Pedal Candida is a skin infection of the foot caused by the yeast candida albicans.

Candida albicans are yeast that live in the mouth and intestines of the healthy human body. Under certain conditions, when the body is weakened, the yeast colonize on the skin forming an infection similar to a fungal infection.

Candida Albicans like moist environments

Candida infections usually occur in moist occluded sites like under the breast, axilla, between the buttocks, and between the fingers and toes. The infection presents as red patches with small pustular lesions at the edges.

Candida albicans forming between the toes create a condition known as pedal candida. It usually starts on the webbing of the third and fourth or fourth and fifth toes and if left untreated will spread to other areas of the foot and the nails.

Candida under the toenail leads to a serious infection

A candida growth left to develop under the toenail can cause a serious infection with the toenail becoming soft and spongy. The free edges and sides of the nail will thicken and become yellow and opaque. An overgrowth of dry flaky skin may accumulate under the nail causing white patches to form due to the development of air spaces.

The presence of a candida growth on the foot and toenails can be accurately determined by a scraping of the nail or skin involved. Without the scraping diagnosis may be confused with other skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

Pedal candida is usually treated with a combination of topical antifungal preparations and topical nystatin. Oral antifungals may be required if the infection does not respond to topical treatments.

Maintaining optimal health and ongoing improved hygiene will be required to keep pedal candida at bay. Keeping the feet clean and free from moisture will help but it pays to be aware that the condition is often chronic and recurrent.