Protect Yourself from Winter Foot Infections
Here on the Nature Coast, we know that our winters are not as severe as in some parts of the country, but at Pasco Hernando Foot & Ankle, we want to inform patients about the risk of fungal and other foot infections at this time of the year. Several factors combine to increase the chances of contracting one.
Cold weather footwear changes—as the temperatures go down, many patients switch from open shoe styles to closed ones. If you’re particularly sensitive to cooler weather and want to continue your outdoor walking and fitness activities, you may add an extra pair of socks to keep feet warm. This can also cause feet to perspire more. Feet that are trapped in warm, moist places create a perfect breeding ground for fungal infections.
Moving workouts indoors—some patients choose to swap their outdoor exercise regimen for an indoor one at the gym. This may mean increased exposure to areas that see a lot of barefoot traffic such as locker rooms, showers, and indoor pool decks. Bacterial, viral, and fungal infections are all spread by direct contact.
More festive pedicures—with all the holiday parties and gatherings, some women are visiting the nail salon more frequently for pedicures. Check that your salon follows proper sanitary procedures for whirlpool foot baths and pedicure implements to prevent the spread of infection.
Safeguard Your Feet
A few key tips to remember:
Make sure your feet stay dry—if you notice your feet feel sweaty, change out of the socks you’re wearing.
Alternate your footwear—don’t wear the same pair of shoes multiple days in a row.
Keep feet covered—this is especially important in public places where others will be walking without shoes.
Consider a foot or anti-fungal powder—dust feet each morning before putting on socks or shoes as a preventive measure.
Recognize the symptoms of a foot infection—dry, itchy scaly skin, raised bumps, rashes, and discoloration of the skin or toenails may all be signs of a foot infection. If you notice any of these, it’s important that you contact our Hudson office by calling 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 promptly so that our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales can examine your feet and treat any infections that are present.