Dry, white or scaly heels do not ignore, it may be contagious fungal infectionthat can lead to serious complications when neglected, informs
Deborah Lee. The general practitioner warns that many confuse fungal infection of the feet with dry skin. Affects approximately every sixth personbut often goes unnoticed.
What does the infection look like and where does it start?
Infection often starts between fingers, Most often between fourth and fifth and can spread to heels and feet. Symptoms include:
- Redness
- Scales
- Dry and cracked skin
- Blisters (in more severe cases)
- In some cases they may not discover no symptoms
If infection Incomes. Can grow into:
- Bacterial infectionimpetiga (a skin infection manifested by wetting blisters and yellow-holes) or a deeper bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
- Sepsisthat is life -threatening
- Nail involvementthat change color, disintegrate and cause pain
Persons are particularly at risk with weakened immunity, such as Older people, diabetics, cancer patients, people taking steroids or immunosuppressants.
How to avoid infection?
- Wash your feet thoroughly daily. Even between fingers
- Use your own towel. Especially in common areas
- Wear breathable shoes of natural materials (leather, canvas)
- Avoid used shoes and socks
- Alternate shoes every 2–3 days
- In pools and dressing rooms is Wearing flip flops base
- Socks of cotton or wool. Not from synthetics
How to treat fungal infection?
If symptoms appear, Seek a pharmacist or doctor immediately. Most often they help Terbinafin, Available as a cream, spray or powder, or Klotrimazole, miconazole or econazole. If the condition does not improve, see a general practitioner.
When to seek a doctor immediately?
- The leg is Red, hot, swollen
- It is present severe pain or extension of a rash
- You have diabetes or weakened immune system
