In this edition of the blog, Duncan Burnside, a leading local podiatrist, writes a no nonsense guide to foot care at the gym - exclusively for Centaur Gym members.
You can find out more about Duncan at BodyAndSoleNI.com
Athletes Foot and Fungus Problems
Athlete's foot typically affects the
skin on the feet between the toes, but can move anywhere on the foot and can affect the toenails.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin and/or nails, usually found on the skin between the toes. When the infection spreads to the toenails, they become thick and distorted.
It is common to catch athlete's foot from other people who have it by walking on floors that are moist or wet (e.g. at swimming pools and in shared shower facilities). 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.
Athlete's foot and fungus may also spread to other parts of the body, notably the groin and underarms, by those who scratch their affected area and then touch themselves elsewhere.
Symptoms include:
On the skin:
- Reddened, cracked, and peeling skin
- Some bleeding
- Itching
- Burning
- Stinging sensation
- 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:
- Change in colour (yellow or brown)
- Nail gets thicker
- Bad odour
- Debris collects beneath the nail
- White marks on the nail
Prevention:
- Wear sandals/Flips/Crocs 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 (Avoid nylon)
- Change socks frequently especially if you perspire heavily
- Choose footwear that allows for the circulation of air
- Keep your feet clean and dry, dust weekly with an anti fungal in shoes hosiery and on feet as a preventative
- Clean trainers frequently. (Put them in an old pillow case tie up the end and put on a cool wool wash)
Fungal Nails
Toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where people are likely to be walking barefoot - swimming pools, changing rooms, and showers. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection and chronically infected ingrownig nails.
Prevention:
Clean, dry feet resist disease. Wash feet with soap (Ph balanced is best) and water. More importantly dry thoroughly; paying particular attention between the toes (A few spare cotton buds in your wash bag are very handy). Shower-shoes/Flip flops/ Crocs, should be worn in public areas. Shoes, socks and hosiery should be changed daily. Buy shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
See your Podiatrist
Your Podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early. A suitable treatment plan may include prescribing topical or oral medication. Debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail. Debridement is one of the most common foot care procedures performed by Podiatrists. In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical anti-fungal. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.
Your Podiatrist is there to advise you, and treat a multitude of foot and lower limb conditions. Don’t hesitate to get in contact.
IF IT’S TO DO WITH FEET WE CAN TREAT IT
Duncan Burnside
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