HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 22, 24 December 1942, Page 5

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

ATHLETE'S FOOT.

No 86. (By the Health Department.) Wo have to thank the East for tho common and annoying complaint wo know as athlete's foot. It is nothing moro than ringworm between the toes, and while in itself it presents no danger it can give rise to secondary infections of a serious nature if not properly treated.

It is a widespread complaint these days, and one of the most fertile sources of infection is the bathroom floor. In fact, in the United States, bathers in some of the public baths are required to stand for a few minutes with bare feet in a ono per cent, solution of sodium hypochlorite before entering the baths. Dosing of bathmats and floors with an antiseptic solution is another preventive Any itching or burning sensation between the toes, on the so'es, or on tho sides of tho toes, is a hint of trouble.' The first appearance of the ringworm is usually denoted by a scaliness, or whlto sodden skin. There may be redness, with blistering and raw areas, however. When this subsides scaling and thickening follow.

When the condition is red, blistering, or raw, painting with fresh tincture of iodine will often stop the spread, and in some people seems curative. Whitfield's ointment, which is obtainable from any chemist, is generally regarded as the most effective remedy. Whatever is used, though, the patient should continuo tho treatment for several weeks after apparent cure, because the ringworm fungus dies hard.

Best preventive measures are to dry between the toes carefully after bathing and use a boracic acid dusting powder. .And avoid wearing other people's socks or footwear.