Athlete's Foot: The Silent Killer

It’s a hot and sticky day; you’re drenched in sweat. Now let’s switch gears. It’s a freezing cold day, you're shivering, trying to warm yourself up so that you’ll stop uncontrollably shaking. How on earth do these days connect?

On both of these types of days you’d probably be wearing tennis shoes and socks. And when you wear tennis shoes and socks, you can only imagine the kinds of bacteria that’s building up in there. The prime conditions that are escalating in there are perfect for foot fungus to develop!

Another common name for this is athlete's foot. But, little do you know, you don’t have to be an athlete to get this. With all the sweat and bacteria pilling on top of each other, you’re in immediate danger! Foot fungus typically is in between the toes, but when it goes untreated and it spreads, it goes to the toenails.

Fungi are plant organisms, such as mold and mildew, and they grow best in conditions that are moist (just like in your socks!) Bacteria may thrive as a secondary infection, which worsens the symptoms and makes it more difficult to cure. A fungal infection is one of the most difficult nail and foot conditions to treat, so you need to make sure that you catch it before it gets that far. To prevent foot fungus, you should wash your feet thoroughly and make sure when you’re done washing them that you thoroughly dry them. After they're dry, make sure to put them in DRY socks. And if you’re in a safe environment, you should opt to leave your socks off and let your feet breathe!

WATCH OUT FOR THESE SYMPTOMS: (if you have them, seek treatment immediately!)
• 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

By Anais Tabor