HOME HEALTH GUIDE

Timaru Herald, Volume CLIII, Issue 22472, 6 January 1943, Page 2

HOME HEALTH GUIDE

ATHLETE’S FOOT (Prepared and issued by the Health Department) We have to thank the East for the common and annoying complaint we know as athlete’s foot. It is nothing more than ringworm betw’een 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 one per cent solution of sodium hypochlorite before entering the baths. Dosing of bathmats and floor with an antiseptic is another preventive. Any itching or burning sensation between the toes, on the soles, or on the sides of the toes, is a hint of trouble. The first appearance of the ringworm is usually denoted by a scaliness, or white 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 continue the 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.