Back to school teens risk infections
KUWAIT: It isn't often talked about, and many people don't even know what it is, but doctors in Kuwait are warning that the country is set for a major outbreak of foot fungus, an irritating and unpleasant skin infection commonly known as athlete's foot. The highest levels of risk for the disease at this time of year, say experts, are teenagers, who are abandoning open-toed sandals for stifling shoes and socks. "The fungus that causes athlete's foot likes warm, moist places, like shoes," said Dr Subash Walkinde, Specialist Dermatologist & Venerologist, Welcare Clinic, UAE.
Risky
The start of the school year, Dr Walkinde added, is an especially risky time because it potentially entails infected individuals coming into contact with large numbers of people. " A small flake of skin of an infected person, at a swimming pool or a gym, can quite easily infect others," he said. "And, once infected, the fungus can make its way to other parts of the body, even the face." According to studies, up to 70 percent of people contract a fungal skin infection at some point in their lives. Residents of some Asian and European countries have shown infection rates as high as 27 percent. The high humidity levels in the Middle East make people particularly susceptible to the condition one regional study found that the prevalence among schoolchildren was 30 percent. While not dangerous to people in reasonable health, fungal skin infections can be painful and unsightly. The condition's main symptoms are redness and dry, flaky skin between the toes and on the soles of the feet. This skin eventually scales and cracks, leaving a route into the system for other bacteria.
Creams
Treatments generally involve the application of specialized anti-fungal creams, although doctors stress the importance of prevention. "Good foot hygiene can help reduce the contraction and spread of the fungus," said Dr Walkinde. "Feet should be washed every day with soap and water and thoroughly dried, especially in between the toes. Socks should be cotton, which will absorbed excessive moisture and should be changed daily. If feet sweat excessively, it is advisable to carry a spare pair which can be changed during the day." Students and their parents, Dr Walkinde added, must be vigilant with foot hygiene. "If you have itchy or sore feet, don't just ignore it, check it out," he said. "If you have contracted infection, it is most probably athlete's foot, which can be treated with antifungal powders, sprays or creams such as Lamisil, and in some severe resistant cases systemic antifungal treatments could be used in consultation with your dermatologist."
© Arab Times 2007
