How to protect feet from ringworm?

Only daily foot care is really a guarantee of their health and walking comfort. However, often during the winter months, hidden in the proverbial thick socks and shoes, they are subjected to the "what's out of sight is out of mind" rule. Most are reminded of the need to carefully care for this part of the body only with the arrival of spring. Then when brought to light they do not meet aesthetic requirements, frighten with thickening and cracks, gray or yellow shade of dried skin loudly call for urgent action. It is not uncommon to find that the unattractive changes are caused by ringworm. Some of these ailments require a visit to a specialist: a podiatrist or dermatologist. Fortunately, in most cases, many problems can be remedied on their own.

One of the reasons that requires meticulous care is the prevention of foot and nail fungus. Recently, it has been a real bane of modern man. In order to diagnose the scale of the problem, the largest pan-European survey of foot disorders was conducted, in which 20 countries, including Poland, participated. Dermatologists examined nearly 40,000 patients in our country, men and women. It turned out that the most common condition is precisely tinea pedis, with which about 30% of Poles struggle, and onychomycosis, from which one in five of our country's residents suffers. It can be contracted quickly and literally anywhere: by walking barefoot in a swimming pool, on carpets in a hotel, for example, on sand and grass, but also by using common grooming items and towels, and by touching the skin of an already infected person. Feet are particularly vulnerable to its development, because ringworm loves heat, moisture and darkness and we often unwittingly create the ideal conditions for it ourselves. There is an increased risk of contracting the disease for immunocompromised people, those on antibiotic and steroid therapy, during chemotherapy and diabetics.

Statistics say that people between the ages of 20 and 60 are most often affected. It is more common for fungal infections to affect older people, due to their poorer health. But that doesn't mean they bypass younger people. Playing sports, increased perspiration, compressive, uncomfortable shoes and synthetic socks promote the disease. Also hormonal problems, hypothyroidism, diabetes and obesity, HIV infection increase susceptibility to infection. Lack of regular grooming and proper hygiene are other favorable circumstances. Mycosis is caused by dermatophytes, molds or candida.When it comes to feet, mycoses are often conjugate and affect the skin and nails at the same time. Fungi easily colonize dead and keratinized layers of skin, and form dry, exfoliating, chronic lesions in them, changing over time into a pronounced inflammation. Mechanical damage to the epidermis or nail plates, even minor, rough dry skin with excessive keratinization, a feeling of itching are the gateway to infection.

Taking care of the beauty and health of the feet requires regularity. This small effort in relation to maintaining the condition of the skin and nails pays off according to the principle that prevention is better than cure. Neglected feet will always be a reason for complexes, which we will try to hide. Spring is a good excuse to start regular care, which at the same time will be an effective prevention of infections that affect the appearance of feet and nails. It is best to prepare them for the summer unveiling now at home. Especially since it takes some time to finally deal with dry or cracked skin, calloused heels, hyperhidrosis or possible infection. The only necessary condition is to choose the right dermocosmetics that provide comprehensive care, but also protection. In preparations for feet, look for the right active ingredients that will effectively affect their condition. The most important of these are 15% urea, which has a strong moisturizing, softening, anti-itch, antiseptic and keratolytic effect (dissolves the keratinized layer of the epidermis), as well as antiproliferative, that is, inhibits the proliferation and development of pathogenic factors, including fungi and yeast. It supports the treatment of calluses and corns, as well as cracked heel skin. In addition, it is worth noting propylene glycol, which is a hydrophilic moisturizer. It has the ability to penetrate the stratum corneum, thus acting as a penetration promoter, facilitating the transport of cosmetic active ingredients deep into the epidermis. In turn, another important ingredient is lactic acid, which prevents the colonization and growth of pathogenic fungi, reducing the risk of fungal infections. Substances used in dermocosmetics for foot care such as vitamin E, sunflower oil, glycerin, beeswax have moisturizing, soothing, nourishing and gently lubricating properties. A complex with antifungal properties proves useful.

It's a good idea to start your spring foot care program by getting rid of thickened skin, corns and calluses, and carefully shortening your nails. Also by assessing the condition of the skin and checking for infections or fungal infections between the toes. Then, in order to effectively continue the regeneration and protection program on your own, it is worth looking for a whole line of care tailored to the condition of the feet at the pharmacy. In the selection, it is best to follow the advice of a pharmacist. First of all, it is worth choosing preparations that reduce perspiration and the risk of fungal infections, as well as soothing bath gels. It is worth noting that pharmacy cosmetics that prevent and fight infections are generally registered as medical devices. Expecting effectiveness, one should opt for such preparations. These are products with high-quality active ingredients. Dermocosmetics can be used in preventive care or as cosmetics to support the treatment of diagnosed tinea pedis. Many pharmacy preparations that prevent ringworm infection can be used by the youngest children, who are particularly vulnerable to infection during school sports activities.