Foot Skin Disorder

Feet are in constant work. They need rest and proper care. Usually they are the most neglected part of the body. There are two common of foot problem one is due to fungal infection and one is due to improper fit of shoes, which are described in brief.
1. Athlete's Foot
2. Ingrown toes.

Athlete's Foot:

Tinea is a fungus that can grows on skin, hair or nails. As it grows, it moves out in a circle, with normal skin in center. Thus looking like a ring. The edge of the ring, is swollen, looks red and scaly. Fungal infections are named for the part of the body they infect. Tinea pedis is usually called "athlete's foot." The moist skin between toes is a perfect place for a fungus to grow.
Spread:
Fungal infection can spread by touching a person who has one. Some kinds of fungi live on damp surfaces, like the floors in public showers or locker rooms use of this facility can lead to infection. Dogs and cats, as well as farm animals, can be infected with a fungus and spread it to humans who are in contact with them.
Symptom:
The skin may become itchy and red, with a white, wet surface. The infection may spread to the toenails. Here it causes the toenails to become thick and crumbly. It can also spread to hands and fingernails.
Treatment:
Antifungal cream such as Griesofulvin can be applied.
Prevention:
1. Skin that is kept clean and dry is best defense.
2. Take shoes off and expose feet to the air when at home.
3. Change your socks daily.
4. Dry feet carefully. Throw away worn-out exercise shoes.
5. Never borrow other people's shoes.
Complications:
A fungus rarely spreads below the surface of the body to cause serious illness.

Ingrown Toe Nail
The ingrown toe nail, curls down and dig in to the skin causes swelling, pain and redness. The main cause of ingrown toenail is
1. Shoes that do not fit well,
2. Improperly trimmed nails.

Shoes that are too tight press the sides of the nail and make it curl into the skin
Symptom: Pain, redness, swelling are common symptoms.
Treatment: Surgery to remove ingrown nail.
Prevention: Soak feet in warm water every week for 10 minutes. Place cotton balls on the sides of nail to prevent growing inside. Trim toe nails straight.

Recommended Reading

1. Putting your Best Foot Forward with Athlete's Foot
2. Natural Remedies for Itchy Athlete's Foot
3. Paranoid about the Skin Disease Paronychia
4. A Cure for Hand and Foot Eczema
5. Jock Itch – Fighting that Fungus