Athletes Foot and Fungus Problems

Athletes Foot and Fungus Problems

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin and the nails, usually found on the skin between the toes.Athlete’s foot is also much more common in people who tend to have moist feet. Athlete’s foot can also be spread by sharing other people’s shoes or personal care items such as towels and wash cloths.
Symptoms include:
• On the skin:
o Reddened, cracked, and peeling skin
o Some bleeding
o Itching
o Burning
o Stinging sensation
o Development of small blisters (Blisters often lead to cracking of the skin. When blisters break, small raw areas of tissue are exposed, causing pain and swelling. Itching and burning may increase as the infection spreads. In severe cases the skin may thicken, like a callus, and begin to scale.)
• On the toe nail:
o Change in color (yellow or brown)
o Nail gets thicker
o Bad odor
o Debris collects beneath the nail
o White marks on the nail
Treatment
Bathe your feet at least once a day with soap and warm water. Dry thoroughly after bathing and keep your feet dry. Change socks frequently and buy socks that absorb moisture, such as cotton and wool. Expose your feet to the air for short periods of time throughout the day (do not walk barefoot, however). Wear sandals with open toes whenever possible.
Prevention:
• Wear sandals or shoes when walking on moist or wet floors
• Don’t share shoes or personal care items such as towels
• Wear socks made of absorbent materials such as cotton or wool
• Change socks frequently if you perspire heavily
• Choose footwear that allows for the circulation of air
• Keep your feet clean and dry by dusting Bromi Talc powder in your shoes

Fungal Nails
Fungal infection of toenails, called Onychomycosis, is a common foot health problem that many people do not recognize. Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms, such as molds and mildew, that do not require sunlight for growth. They easily attack the nail, thriving off keratin, the nail’s protein substance.

Onychomycosis is an infection underneath the nail that can also penetrate the nail. If it is ignored, it could impair one’s ability to work or even walk because it is frequently accompanied by thickening of the nails, which then cannot be easily trimmed, and may cause pain while wearing shoes. This disease can frequently be accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in/or about the nail plate.
Symptoms:
• Change in color (yellow or brown)
• Nail gets thicker
• Bad odor
• Debris collects beneath the nail
• White marks on the nail
• This infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin or even the fingernails.
• Toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where people are likely to be walking barefoot – swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails.

Prevention
Clean, dry feet resist disease. Wash the feet with soap and water, and dry thoroughly. Shower shoes should be worn in public areas. Shoes, socks and hosiery should be changed daily. Use a quality foot powder, talcum not cornstarch. Buy shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.