You don't need to have a foot fetish to appreciate clean feet. The very nature of our lower limbs can sometimes seem appalling, but who can blame "foot fearers" when it comes to the stinky smell and crusty sight of some people's soles.
Yet as surprising as it may sound, more people are putting their best feet forward and reducing the number of cases of foot ailments such as Athlete's Foot. The best intentions might not amount to the best results, however, if your head doesn't heed the warning of over-the-counter cures.
Dr. David Davidson of University Sports Medicine often sees cases of ingrown toenails and sports-related pain, with fewer patients experiencing fungi like Athlete's Foot. Davidson attributes this decrease to a higher awareness of young adults when it comes to foot fungus.
"I think the kids are pretty careful as far as showers and wearing shower clogs [go] and so I guess that they don't pick that stuff up," Davidson said.
People understanding the causes of foot ailments may help in fighting against some things like fungi and bacteria. For instance, Davidson said that although foot warts are seen often in his office, they are commonly misunderstood as being contagious for everyone. Certain people are genetically predisposed to fight off the virus that causes warts.
"They are caused by viruses, viruses that live on the skin. And it's kind of genetic, certain people can't fight off the virus like others," Davidson said.
What is concerning is the rise in diabetes cases in college students, especially those untreated. In addition to causing health problems in general, diabetes can lead to a number of foot ailments.
"You can't ignore pain. You can't ignore any usual signs or symptoms of a problem if something gets red or you get some swelling and it doesn't go away in a couple of days," Davidson said. "That's how people get into trouble when they ignore it, especially college students who have diabetes, which is becoming more and more. There is a huge explosion of diabetics in college-age kids and older."
Diabetes symptoms include a pins-and-needles sensation in the feet, an increase in bathroom usage and frequent infections. Serious cases can develop ulcers on the feet, which if not treated properly may have serious complications that may need to be removed entirely through amputation.
Students also need to be weary of bad foot products that can hinder, rather than help.
"All those over-the-counter wart medications and in-grown toenail medications are basically acids that can cause more harm than good and I see that all the time," Davidson said. "Look at the small print."
To prevent problems it is important for people to keep their feet dry.
"Mainly dry your feet good, (including) between your toes (and) wear clean hosiery," said Dr. Donna Heiss, Office Manager for North Town Podiatry. "The best (practice) is to examine your feet all of the time."
Those heading off for a pedicure should be weary of putting their toes into a footbath you didn't see filled in front of you, Heiss said. Another client may have already used the same footbath, which should be cleaned after each use. Asking about cleaning products and how they are used by the boutique will give better insight to their sanitary practices.
This news may come in handy for some UB students who may pamper with a pedicure.
"I do pedicures sometimes to make (my toes) look nice," said Kathryn Przbyla, a freshmen exercise science major. "Maybe because I live at home I just don't think about (cleanliness) as much."
Like most other on-campus residents, Alexandra Kraft, a sophomore business major, wears flip-flops when heading to the shower. Kraft takes 'clean' to a whole other level when disinfecting her shower wear with a rubbing alcohol product.
Kathryn Jones, a graduate pharmacy student, recommends students be weary of home remedies for foot care as well.
"Don't use powders on your feet, it creates a paste and holds moisture in," Jones said.
Aside from health concerns, proper foot hygiene is important when it comes to socializing. Wearing heels or open-toed shoes or sandals can be embarrassing if proper foot care isn't practiced. Foot odors and growths can also lead to embarrassment.
"I think my feet are healthy, I cut my toenails, but they do stink all the time. I don't know why," said Brandon Gerhardt, a senior chemical engineering major. "It's annoying when you go to someone's house and you take your shoes off to relax and the person at the house you're at asks you to please put your shoes back on. I get that a lot."
Photo: Breadchastick / Wikimedia Commons
