WHAT'S UP DOC : How to beat off that nagging foot-fungus
What you need to know:
And, through experience, it is the men who suffer from this condition the most—almost twice as women.
After going through various studies, I have realised that in every 100 people, 15 have what we call Tinea Paedis, a foot fungus also popularly known as Athlete’s foot.
And, through experience, it is the men who suffer from this condition the most—almost twice as women.
I have seen cases of people complain of unbearable itching in their 4th and 5th toes. That’s fungus.
However, what is more interesting is that people who usually walk on bare feet are 15 times less likely to suffer from it. Why? These fungi thrive well in moist conditions—in the soil, or we can get them through human to human contact as well as through sharing towels, socks, shoes or a wet floor.
What to do
Knowing this concept helps us to know what to do in order to avoid the fungus.
So, excessive moisture and tight clothing are some of the things to get rid of if you want to stop the nagging fungal attacks.
If you are a frequent user of public showers and you live in tropical regions, you are at a higher risk.
Some people believe that if they wash their feet regularly they can beat off that persistent foot fungus, well, that’s a fallacy.
Science dictates, actually, that when a person washes the fungus repeatedly, the upper layer of the skin gets disrupted—and here, it’s the acidity level that is affected, creating a favourable environment for the fungus.
At times, certain people with fungus fail to recover from the symptoms—even after treatment. The doctor can help you out but, this could be due to an underlying condition—diabetes, HIV/Aids, cancer or any other diseases that can lower body immunity.
At times the fungus develops because of blisters between toes, on the sides and tops of the feet.
A number of antifungal medication in the form of creams, ointments or powders are widely available in drug stores and are usually effective if used correctly.
In line with these, a patient should ensure proper use of anti-fungal medication as per the instructions of the medic.
Note that the frequency by which the medication is applied also matters. Apply more frequently—at regular intervals-- to ensure complete recovery. Also, ensure that the dose is completed.
And, if you are undergoing treatment, avoid closed shoes.
If all has been done but symptoms persist, arrange to visit a medical doctor for further evaluation.
Stay safe. Make informed health choices!
