SKIN INFECTION TREATMENT
Athlete's Foot & Foot Skin Infections in Billings, MT
If over-the-counter treatment isn't working, there are options that will. We diagnose what you actually have and treat it accordingly.
(406) 256-0077When to See a Specialist
Most cases of mild athlete's foot respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams. The problem is when they don't. If you've been treating an itchy, scaly, or painful foot for weeks and it's not getting better, the issue may be that it's not actually athlete's foot. Several other conditions can look similar and need completely different treatment.
The other reason to see a specialist: skin infections of the foot can progress. A small cut that gets infected can become a serious cellulitis. A fungal infection can spread to the toenails and become much harder to clear. Diabetic patients are at particularly high risk for complications from any foot infection.
Conditions We Treat
Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)
The classic fungal infection of the foot skin. We confirm the diagnosis (sometimes with a simple in-office test), prescribe targeted antifungal treatment when over-the-counter options haven't worked, and address contributing factors like excessive moisture or footwear.
Bacterial Foot Infections
Infections that follow cuts, blisters, or breaks in the skin. We evaluate severity, prescribe appropriate antibiotics, and monitor for signs of deeper infection that needs more aggressive treatment.
Cellulitis
A deeper bacterial infection of the skin and underlying tissue, often appearing as a spreading area of redness, warmth, and swelling. Cellulitis needs prompt treatment to prevent it from progressing. We can often treat it on an outpatient basis with the right antibiotics.
Recurring or Chronic Infections
Some patients deal with skin infections that keep coming back. We address both the active infection and the underlying conditions (moisture issues, hyperhidrosis, immune factors, footwear) that allow recurrence.
Diagnosis Drives Treatment
An itchy, scaly, red foot could be athlete's foot, eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, an early bacterial infection, or several other things. Each one needs different treatment. We diagnose what's actually there before we treat it, sometimes with a simple in-office test and sometimes by trial of treatment with close follow-up.
This is the difference between guessing and knowing. Treating the wrong condition can delay healing for weeks or months.
A Note for Patients with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, do not try to manage foot infections at home. Even small infections on a diabetic foot can become serious quickly. Call us at the first sign of redness, swelling, drainage, or skin breakdown. We'll see you promptly.
Related Conditions
Questions? Call us at (406) 256-0077.