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Athlete’s foot is a common condition that can affect the feet of the individual. Athlete’s foot is essentially a fungal infection that can cause a lot of pain and considerable damage if not treated correctly. In its first stage, Athlete’s foot can cause itching and eczema-like scaling on the skin. In its worst form, it can cause an incessant burning of skin along with pustules and open sores.

The name Athlete’s foot naturally comes from the fact that many athletes suffer from it. Athletes are most susceptible to this fungal infection because the fungi that are instrumental in causing the infection require moisture and warmth. Athlete’s foot usually has all these conditions.

As the fungi are contagious it is easily transferred from one athlete to another since many share locker rooms and showers. As all athletes walk barefoot in such facilities it is the perfect breeding ground for this fungus. A small amount of fungi live on our feet anyway, but if they see an opportunity to multiply, they are quick to seize it, thus causing Athlete’s foot.

Therefore, the best way to ensure that no fungus is present on your foot is to change your socks and wash your feet regularly. Wearing used socks is a strict no-no since those conditions are conducive for the growth of fungi. Also, it is important for your feet to get some air. Therefore, if your feet sweat a lot, it is important to clean them regularly to avoid Athlete’s foot.

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Fungal nail infection is a very common form of infection which can be easily overlooked. As the condition begins as a small white or yellow dot on the nail, many people do not perceive it as a threat. Overlooking a fungal nail infection is extremely dangerous as it carries fungal germs that pose a huge threat in the long term. Treatment is likely to be successful if it has begun early.

The symptoms of a fungal nail infection are brittle, thickened and dull nails that are brown, black, yellow or green in colour. The infected nail can separate from the nail epidermis and emit a foul smell. If it is left untreated it can cause serious pain and may result in possible permanent damage to the nails. There is also a risk of it spreading to other parts of the body. If bacteria are present then this can cause a discharge of pus, high fever and increased swelling.

Nail fungus is more than a cosmetic issue. It can get in the way of your daily activities like playing sports, walking, typing, writing and other activities that require extensive use of the fingers. Research shows that nail fungus has a detrimental effect on the quality of life of individuals suffering from it.

In order to prevent a nail fungus infection it is important to keep your nails short, dry and clean at all times. Spaces between the toes are a major hot bed for bacteria. It is also important to wipe your hands and feet thoroughly after having a shower.

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Personal hygiene is a vital requirement in everyone’s lives. Most of us spend a lot of time taking care of our looks but very rarely do we bother about our feet. Perhaps the only time we pay attention to our feet is when our toenails have to be cut or our feet begin to hurt.

It is however, advisable for people to pay a little more attention to their feet because there is every possibility that you can develop some kind of foot infection that can become serious if not attended to immediately. One of the most common foot infections that affect people all over the world is toenail fungus.

When can toenail fungus most occur?

Usually when toes are exposed to moist and warm conditions they are more likely to get infected. Those who wear shoes and socks for long periods of time are more prone to developing toenail fungus. This infection mostly occurs during the summer season.

How would you know if you have toenail fungus?

You know you have toenail fungus when you see white or yellow spots under the tip of the toenail. The infection will also cause your toenails to get thicker, change colours, hurt and flake when it spreads under the nail.

Dealing with toenail fungus

There are many different toenail fungal treatments that you can choose from. Ointments, oils, lotions and medicines are some of the common toenail fungal treatments. Consulting a doctor is also advisable if it appears serious and hurts a great deal.

Whichever toenail fungal treatment you choose, it is important that you treat the infection immediately so that it can be cured as soon as possible.

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Chilblains are a medical condition a little similar to frostbite. This is also one of the main reasons why they are often confused for frostbite. They are caused due to constant or prolonged exposure to cold climates or surfaces. This is because exposure to a lot of cold can damage the capillary beds that are present in the skin. This damage causes the skin to become red. It can also sometimes cause blisters, itching and inflammation. Chilblains affect toes more than any other body part as toes are the most at risk of being in touch with cold surfaces for a longer period of time.

One of the best ways to avoid chilblains is to wear shoes with clean socks every day. It will also help to buy footwear that can keep your feet warm and also give them enough room to breathe. Inflammation of the skin around the infected area is one of the most common symptoms of chilblains. Although the exact cause of chilblains is still unknown, they are usually known to be triggered by prolonged exposure to cold climatic conditions.

Chilblains treatment would include gently massaging the infected area with a mild antiseptic cream or lotion. It is also important that you do not scratch the affected area as this will only make the infection worse. Walking around will help you circulate blood to the affected area and help in speedy recovery. A podiatrist will also be able to help you with chilblains treatment to a great extent.

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Most people exercise regularly and take special care of their body and face to make sure they stay looking youthful. However, in their attempt to look beautiful, people often forget to give proper attention to their feet. Our feet carry the weight of our body throughout the day so it is therefore very important for us to take good care of them.

Cleaning the feet and massaging them with essential oils or moisturising lotions help to not only keep the feet in good shape but also relax your body. More importantly, neglecting foot hygiene can give rise to fungal skin infections.

A fungal skin infection can first appear at the nails and then can later spread to the whole body. People often pick up fungal nail infections from walking bare foot in areas like public swimming baths and saunas. Fungal skin infections can also occur if you wear tight shoes throughout the day.

When the feet are held tightly in a shoe the skin cannot breathe. The sweat accumulates which makes it easier for fungal infections to occur and hence grow.

A fungal skin infection is irritating and painful. So, if you don’t want to shy away from revealing your feet in public, and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle, do not forget to take care of your feet.

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Fungal infections usually affect the skin because fungi thrive on keratin which is a major component of hair, skin and nails. Fungi thrive in places of the body where the skin overlaps. This includes the genital areas, areas between the toes and under the breasts. Fungi infections are quite common and more so in children who constantly walk barefoot and play in damp areas. Fungi are capable of colonising any environment they are introduced to. They grow in irregular masses and can broadly be classified into moulds and yeasts.

The most common kind of fungal infection is Athlete’s foot. It is caused when feet are exposed to damp and moist conditions for a prolonged period of time. The first symptoms of Athlete’s foot are burning, itching and swelling in the infected area. This infection usually occurs between the toes.

If Athlete’s foot is not given proper attention, this infection can become severe causing a great deal of pain and discomfort. The infection can infect both children and adults and the primary reason for its cause is either continuous exposure to dampness or just inadequate hygiene.

One of the best ways to avoid athlete’s foot is to wear comfortable and sweat absorbing socks and shoes. Swimming pools and gymnasiums are also places where people contract this infection. So taking proper steps in these locations can lower your risk of getting infected.

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Athletes foot is a rather common medical condition that can affect anyone’s feet. To be more specific, Athletes foot is a fungal infection which can be very unpleasant due to the pain that can be associated with it. In the early stages of the infection, Athletes foot can cause dry scaling of the skin and itching. However, should the infection get worse, it can result in burning inflammation of the skin combined with pustules and open sores.

What is the cause of Athletes foot?
This fungal infection primarily got its name as it happens to be more common in athletes for one main reason. The fungi which cause Athletes foot (Trichophyton or Epidermophyton) prefer moisture and warmth. Due to the fact that athletes feet sweat and are always in shoes and socks for long periods of time, there are more chances of these individuals contracting the infection.

The infection can also spread from one person to another. Walking barefoot in facilities like public showers and changing rooms also increases the chances of a person getting the infection.

Athletes foot treatment
There are different effective treatments for Athletes foot, and ways to prevent it happening again. The most common types of Athletes foot treatment are ointments, oils and lotions that can be applied to the affected area to treat the infection. These can be very helpful as they take effect as soon as they are applied. Other important tips to avoid Athletes foot include keeping the feet clean and dry at all times and avoid walking barefoot on floors.

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Of all the infections that affect the feet, chilblains is generally found in people who live in cold countries. It is thought that they are directly attributed to poor circulation. Chilblains affects the toes and the feet and results in them becoming swollen, itchy and red. There are different factors that can cause chilblains:

• Bone marrow or connective tissue disorders
• Poor blood circulation
• Poor nutrition

When your feet are exposed to cold, the capillary beds in the skin get damaged which is the cause of the itching, inflammation and redness. Burning sensations on the feet that begin to turn red and end up purple is a common symptom of chilblains. It is also possible for the skin to break and an infection to develop. Although chilblains are said to be idiopathic in origin, they could be a manifestation of a medical condition that is more serious and investigating and treating them quickly is essential.

Chilblains treatment
There are different kinds of chilblains treatment. These include prescribed medication from doctors and also ointments, lotions and oils that can be used to treat chilblains. There are also ways to prevent chilblains from occurring and these are keeping the feet warm. This can be done by wearing woollen slippers and socks. However, it is important to stay away from direct heat like using hot showers and hot water bottles.

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Everyone knows that a strong immune system is needed to stay healthy and fit. But did you know that if you have a weak immune system fungus can infect your nails? Fungus can infect the nail in a number of ways which includes a weak immune system, swimming pool changing rooms, bathrooms and other damp or public places. When fungal organisms find their way under the bed of the nail, it becomes difficult to remedy.

Fungus can cause a lot of pain. For this reason, treatment is very important and should be undergone as soon as the growth is spotted.

Why does fungus usually affect toenails?
As people wear shoes and socks, the toenails are kept in a dark, moist and warm place and this is the ideal place for fungus to grow.

Can a fungal nail infection spread?
It is likely that the infection will spread if the person who has it does not treat the condition quickly.

Getting rid of this kind of fungal infection requires good hygiene, care of the feet and fungal nail treatment. You should take care of your feet ensuring that they are washed regularly and dried completely before putting on your socks and shoes. Getting shoes that fit properly is also important and whenever possible wear slippers or sandals so that your feet are exposed to fresh air and light.

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Fungal nail infections may be a common problem but should not be ignored as they can cause severe problems in the future. Once you get this infection, you start getting small yellow or white spots that spread slowly throughout the nail.

The common symptoms of such an infection which is also known as onychomycosis are brittle, thickened, dull and distorted nails that are black, brown, green or yellow in colour. They may also emit a foul odour. If left untreated, the disease could cause pain and may even lead to permanent damage to your nail. Fungal nail infections can also spread to various other parts of your body. Hence, it necessary to get rid of such problems before they get any worse.

Here are a few tips on how to prevent fungal nail infections:

1 Always make sure you keep your nails clean, dry and short. Wipe hands and feet properly after bathing. Always pay proper attention with regards to the spaces that are between the toes.

2 Avoid biting your nails.

3 Wear well ventilated footwear. Avoid wearing tight shoes as it traps perspiration, thereby creating a perfect atmosphere for fungi to multiply and grow. Wear clean socks and keep your feet dry, so as to avoid moisture.

4 If you have the infection, it would be always be advisable to use a good antifungal powder or spray.

By following these simple steps, you can avoid such unwanted problems.

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