Rain, Rain, Go Away!
As many of you know we have recently had a lot of rain and significant flooding here in Louisiana over the last month.
Many homes and businesses were flooded and heavily damaged. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those affected. My mother’s house in north Louisiana and even my son’s school in Covington was flooded. Unfortunately, this time of year in Louisiana is a wet one and more rain, moisture and humidity is to come, I am sure. Also, with rising temps outside the mixture of moisture and heat can not only lead to mold and harmful issues within our homes, but that combination can also lead to harmful fungal infections on our feet. These fungal infections of the skin and nails, also known as Athlete’s foot and Onychomycosis are easily treated.
It is important to keep your feet dry to reduce the risk of developing a fungal infection, as well as, painful blisters on your feet. I often recommend the following to my patients, especially in the hot and humid months:
Use powder in your shoes and socks. Zeasorb is a very good brand.
Use an antiperspirant, such as Certain Dri, on your feet daily.
Wear a Dri-Fit brand sock or socks that are NOT 100% cotton. Cotton is notorious for retaining moisture.
Fungal infections of the skin can sometimes be medically treated with over the counter topicals, such as Lotrimin cream, but often require a prescription for an anti-fungal from your podiatrist. The toenails can be treated with topical prescriptions, oral medications, or the nail fungus laser. All of these treatments are provided for our patients here at Gulf South Foot and Ankle. So, with Spring upon us here in Louisiana and the inevitable increasing temperatures, along with longer sunny days and more opportunities to have fun outside, please remember to keep those feet dry and fungus-free. Should you have any signs or symptoms of itching, burning between toes, peeling skin or discolored and thickened toenails, please remember to give us a call.