Five Minutes with the Foot Guru

A few months ago, I decided to go for a pedicure. Little did I know that I would end up with an incredible inconvenience that would not only affect my toenail, but my pocket too! My pedicure resulted in a horrid toenail fungus, probably due to the fact that the pedicurist did not use sterilized tools. I love wearing strappy sandals and was tired of not being able to show off my feet confidently. I decided to set up a consultation with a Podiatrist as I wanted to get to the bottom of this problem, once and for all.

A Podiatrist is a health-care professional who plays an important role in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot and foot-related lower limb conditions.  

Chris Delpierre from Sports Science Institute of South Africa, diagnosed the problem immediately.

“Ahhh...you have a slight fungus infection under your toenail. Not to worry. ”
 
Eeeuuuw! A foot fungus?! I mean, really. Just my luck!
 
Chris was very informative and reassuring. He told me that our feet are surrounded by bacteria all the time (in the shower, changing room area at the gym, or even in your sweaty sock). There is a seal (between your nail and your nail bed) that protects bacteria from getting underneath your toenail. However, as soon as the seal is broken (which happened in my case), it is very easy for bacteria to sneak in and nestle under your toenail.

I also decided to pick Chris’ brain, especially for you, the FAIRLADY reader, and get answers to the questions that people are too afraid to ask.

1 How do you prevent an ingrown toenail?

First of all, you need to ensure that you cut the toenail properly. When cutting, stick to the natural shape of the nail. Most people tend to cut their nails straight across – this is incorrect. What can happen is, that you can leave a small piece of the nail in the skin and within a few days or weeks, this can cause a very painful, ingrown nail.

Secondly, you must clean the sides of your nails. You should use a nail brush. You would be surprised how many dead skin cells inhabit this area.

Lastly, try and refrain from wearing tight and uncomfortable shoes (not that any woman is going to listen to this rule!). It is not good to wear a shoe that constricts the toes.

2 What are some tips for foot hygiene? 

Tip One: Wash your feet daily with soap and water. It may sound silly, but you would be surprised how many people don’t do this!

Tip Two: Dry your feet and between your toes THOROUGHLY. A moist / damp area is the perfect breeding ground for a fungus.

Tip Three: Don’t wear the same pair of shoes (without socks) twice in a row. A lot of sweat is absorbed into the material of the shoe (even leather) and it is not good for your foot to be exposed to even more moisture.

3 How do you actually get a foot fungus?

First and foremost, it would have to be because of a lack of personal hygiene. Communal changing areas such as gym locker rooms are a breeding ground for bacteria. The more moisture that is exposed to your feet, the more prone you are to fungus. I also find that if you wear polyester / plastic shoes, your chances of getting a fungus are high. It is important that you allow your feet to “breathe”. Remember, our feet were designed not to wear shoes!

4 Facts about feet...

- About one fifth of all the bones in the human body are in the feet.

- Everyday, you lose one cup (250ml) of sweat through your feet.

- There are more nerve endings per cm² on your feet, than anywhere else in the body.

I now have a new found respect for my feet!

Who, What, Where?

Chris Delpierre

Podiatrist

Sports Science Institute of South Africa

Boundary Road, Newlands, Cape Town, 7700

Tel. 021 685 8020

Fax. 021 685 8022