You know it's rainy season… when a significant number of the new clients visiting the Clinic has fungal infections. The interesting thing is that many of them aren't even aware that they have infections, and often express surprise or shock when told.

In the rainy season, your feet are most susceptible and run the risk of contracting infections. With proper care, you can save yourself a lot of trouble; so don't compromise the health of your feet. Last year, and unfortunately again this year, citizens have been terribly affected by floods. And floodwaters equate infection. From the pictures I have seen, I can only imagine the skin infections and or ulcerations that could pop up.

Floodwater diseases

After a flood occurs, certain diseases and issues arise because of the stagnant water. So you should know how to protect your personal health and safety, as well as that of your family.

Bacteria and parasites

u With stagnant water there are many risks. Flooded septic systems release dangerous bacteria, parasitic infection can also occur. Your hands can become contaminated as well. If you have a small scratch, you can get tetanus because of the contaminated water.

Mold

u Mold from floods leads to severe allergic reactions and possible death due to respiratory seizures. The mold begins growing after only 24 hours.

Trench foot

u Trench foot, also called immersion foot, happens when the feet are wet for long periods of time. It is often painful, but it can be prevented and treated. Symptoms of trench foot include tingling, pain, inflammation, cold skin, numbness and a heavy feeling in your foot. Even after the feet warm up, they may be red, dry and painful.

Prevent trench foot by air drying your feet and elevating them. Also, replace wet shoes and socks with dry ones. Check your feet a minimum of once a day for infections or worsening of symptoms.

Other common infections

during the rainy season

The health of the feet plays a major role in improving the overall personality of a person. It is very important to take proper care of the feet to keep them beautiful and healthy, particularly during the rainy season. Due to moisture and humidity in the air, our feet are at risk of developing fungal infections such as ringworms, and athlete's foot among others.

Fungal infections cause itching, redness, smelly feet, stinging sensation, softening, oozing and peeling of skin. Feet tend to suffer a lot during the rainy and damp weather as the dirty water on the street contains germs and bacteria that can cause serious skin allergies.

Tips for Proper Foot Care

To prevent skin problems the

following should be noted:

u Always wash your feet when you return home after going out in rain, since they would be exposed to a lot of grime and muck.

u Dry your feet completely. Make sure to dry between the toes.

u Effective cleaning of the nails using an orange wood stick would help to put a stop to nail infections.

u Do your regular pedicures.

u Walking in dirty water can lead to numerous fungal infections which affect toes and nails; avoid the dirty water. Keep your shoes, socks and raincoats dry and clean.

u Moisturise your feet twice daily.

u Always keep an extra pair of footwear in a bag while going to work.

u Wear waterproof crocs and boots to keep your feet safe from the mud and puddles. However, smelly feet due to sweat is a big problem. Therefore, after reaching the office, change into sandals or open footwear. This will allow the feet to breathe and prevents them from smelling.

u Check with your primary care physician/podiatrist/chiropodist/foot health practitioner for any irregularities.

Let's 'Be our Brothers' Keepers'

The situation in the West is horrible; each day we see more and more persons who are trying to pull the pieces together. Not everyone could be a part of the clean up, but certainly if you are not, do give in kind…clothes, shoes, food, water, school book vouchers, uniforms, etc. Think about if you were in that position; the despair, the turmoil, the extreme depression and dislocation some of our fellow citizens are experiencing. On a personal and corporate level, we are doing our part to help via Is There Not a Cause (ITNAC) 624-4152, or via the founder of this NGO, Avonelle Hector-Joseph, 742-1879/394-2042. Do what you can and 'be your brother's keeper'!

Your feet mirror your general health... cherish them!

Leana Huntley is an English-

trained foot health practitioner attached to

ALMAWI Limited – The Holistic Clinic. Call to make an appointment at 662-1732, or e-mail lhuntley@almawiclinic.com Tuesday to Saturday. Check for the Clinic at

www.almawiclinic.com