Foot Conditions Linked to Poor Hygiene
Foot health depends heavily on good hygiene, especially when it comes to avoiding infections that thrive in warm, damp environments. Ringworm, a fungal skin infection, can affect the feet and appear as red, scaly patches, often spreading between the toes or along the sole. Hookworm, more common in areas with poor sanitation, can enter through the skin, usually when walking barefoot on contaminated soil, leading to itchy rashes and skin irritation. Other hygiene-related problems include athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, unpleasant odor, and bacterial skin infections, all of which are more likely when feet are not washed and dried properly or are confined in tight, sweaty shoes. Regular cleaning, wearing breathable footwear, and protecting feet in communal areas can reduce the risk of infection. If you notice skin irritation, rashes, or other persistent foot symptoms, it is suggested you schedule an appointment with a chiropodist for evaluation and appropriate care.
Caring for your feet is not just something done at the chiropodist’s office. Good foot care starts at home. If you would like to learn more about daily foot care practices, please consult with one of the chiropodists from The Footcare Centre. Our chiropodists can help you maintain the health of your lower limbs and your mobility.
There are many things that you can do at home to help care for your feet, including:
- Wearing shoes and socks that fit properly
- Washing the feet daily with soap and water
- Drying the feet thoroughly
- Applying moisturizer to the soles and heels of the feet
- Taking a walk and exercising the feet regularly
- Doing foot stretches and strengthening exercises
A chiropodist can help figure out a manageable foot care routine for you to keep your feet healthy. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.
