Healthy Foot Week - are you looking after yours?
New research shows few are aware of infectious nail disease.
Almost 80 per cent of Australian adults who have either experienced or seen in others, the symptoms of fungal nail infection, are either not aware it is fungal or contagious. Yet approximately 2.9 million Australians are either visiting or using public pools, gyms, saunas or showers at least once a month, possibly placing themselves at risk of contracting this chronic and potentially debilitating fungal nail condition.
This is according to new research1 released prior to Foot Health Week (7-13 October 2001), which found that one in five Australians has experienced cracked, thickened, brittle or discoloured nails - potential symptoms of fungal nail infection.
According to Sydney dermatologist, Dr David Wong, many people do not recognise the symptoms of fungal nail infection or mistake them for other skin conditions. "This is a concern, because if an infection is left untreated, it will continue to extend and spread to other nails. It is also readily transmissible from person to person."
Fungal nail infection, or 'onychomycosis', can be an unsightly, uncomfortable and sometimes a painful condition that may affect a person's ability to perform daily activities. It occurs when a fungus (tinea pedis) spreads under the toenail bed - through an opening such as broken, closely cut or ingrown toenails - causing damage to the nail and surrounding skin.
Someone who is very mindful of this condition and the importance of keeping his feet in top shape, is ultra marathon runner, Pat Farmer.
Throughout his 18 year running career, Pat has covered almost 150,000 kilometres. He has endured all types of weather and terrain. During his Centenary of Federation run around Australia, beginning and ending in Canberra, he ran for 191 days averaging almost 80 kilometres a day and using 14 pairs of shoes.
Pat is urging people to be aware that fungal infections on the skin of the foot are easily transmissable and to take precautions to limit one's chances of contracting an infection, which may spread to the toenails.
Dr Wong said fungal nail infection and other foot conditions can go unnoticed, particularly in winter, when feet are hidden by shoes and socks. With summer fast approaching and more people becoming active again, the risk of contracting a fungal nail infection is likely to increase.
Alternatively, Pat stresses that wearing correctly fitted shoes is crucial to avoiding damage to the toenails.
To help raise awareness of good foot care in the lead-up to and during Foot Health Week, The Athlete's Foot is running a national 'Healthy Foot' promotion. As well as giving shoppers at each of their stores a chance to win a foot pamper pack, they will be providing information on ways to look after your feet, particularly how to prevent and lower the risk of contracting fungal nail infection and where to seek treatment.
According to Dr Wong, treatment is essential for managing fungal nail infection, yet appropriate treatment is not often sought.
For more information about fungal nail infection and how to maintain healthy nails, call 1800 800 838, visit http://www.fungusfreenails.com or drop by your local The Athlete's Foot store.
1. Fungal nail infection telephone survey conducted nation-wide by Newspoll among 1,200 Australians aged 18+ during September 2001. Study commissioned by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
Almost 80 per cent of Australian adults who have either experienced or seen in others, the symptoms of fungal nail infection, are either not aware it is fungal or contagious. Yet approximately 2.9 million Australians are either visiting or using public pools, gyms, saunas or showers at least once a month, possibly placing themselves at risk of contracting this chronic and potentially debilitating fungal nail condition.
This is according to new research1 released prior to Foot Health Week (7-13 October 2001), which found that one in five Australians has experienced cracked, thickened, brittle or discoloured nails - potential symptoms of fungal nail infection.
According to Sydney dermatologist, Dr David Wong, many people do not recognise the symptoms of fungal nail infection or mistake them for other skin conditions. "This is a concern, because if an infection is left untreated, it will continue to extend and spread to other nails. It is also readily transmissible from person to person."
Fungal nail infection, or 'onychomycosis', can be an unsightly, uncomfortable and sometimes a painful condition that may affect a person's ability to perform daily activities. It occurs when a fungus (tinea pedis) spreads under the toenail bed - through an opening such as broken, closely cut or ingrown toenails - causing damage to the nail and surrounding skin.
Someone who is very mindful of this condition and the importance of keeping his feet in top shape, is ultra marathon runner, Pat Farmer.
Throughout his 18 year running career, Pat has covered almost 150,000 kilometres. He has endured all types of weather and terrain. During his Centenary of Federation run around Australia, beginning and ending in Canberra, he ran for 191 days averaging almost 80 kilometres a day and using 14 pairs of shoes.
Pat is urging people to be aware that fungal infections on the skin of the foot are easily transmissable and to take precautions to limit one's chances of contracting an infection, which may spread to the toenails.
Dr Wong said fungal nail infection and other foot conditions can go unnoticed, particularly in winter, when feet are hidden by shoes and socks. With summer fast approaching and more people becoming active again, the risk of contracting a fungal nail infection is likely to increase.
Alternatively, Pat stresses that wearing correctly fitted shoes is crucial to avoiding damage to the toenails.
To help raise awareness of good foot care in the lead-up to and during Foot Health Week, The Athlete's Foot is running a national 'Healthy Foot' promotion. As well as giving shoppers at each of their stores a chance to win a foot pamper pack, they will be providing information on ways to look after your feet, particularly how to prevent and lower the risk of contracting fungal nail infection and where to seek treatment.
According to Dr Wong, treatment is essential for managing fungal nail infection, yet appropriate treatment is not often sought.
For more information about fungal nail infection and how to maintain healthy nails, call 1800 800 838, visit http://www.fungusfreenails.com or drop by your local The Athlete's Foot store.
1. Fungal nail infection telephone survey conducted nation-wide by Newspoll among 1,200 Australians aged 18+ during September 2001. Study commissioned by Novartis Pharmaceuticals.
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