Foot Health: Blisters and Onychomycosis

they are lesions detected on the skin, filled with transparent liquid. They form very quickly, can cause a burning sensation and be very painful (especially if the outer membrane breaks down). In the foot, they develop due to excessive pressure or continuous friction exerted against a particularly sensitive and exposed portion of skin.

Blisters are more likely to form on damp skin and in hot weather, when walking long distances and wearing a new, stiff or tight pair of shoes. The skin rubs, overheats and becomes red. Eventually, the continuous friction leads to the separation of the epidermis (the outermost layer of the skin) from the lower layers and from the capillaries some serum comes out and accumulates under the skin, forming a transparent bubble. The blister then arises to protect the inflamed skin from further pressure.

Unlike corns and calluses, which develop as a result of prolonged (but less aggressive) rubbing, blisters come from intense, relatively short, localized friction over a small area.

they are skin lesions that rise and fill with liquid in reaction to excessive pressure and continuous rubbing.

• If they are not painful and allow you to walk, it is best to leave them intact so that they heal spontaneously. A blister patch can be applied to protect the area from additional pressure and dirt. There is therefore no need to puncture the blister.
• If the bladder rupture occurs accidentally from friction with socks or shoes, do not peel off the outer membrane covering the injury, as this remains the best protection against infection. Detaching it and leaving the wound open would mean exposing it to external agents such as water, dirt and bacteria. To reduce the risk of infection, it is possible to apply an antiseptic and cover the area with a soft and sterile dressing (making sure that the central part of the same does not stick to the wound), to be changed daily.
• If a blister is close to rupture, disinfect the area and prick the edge of the bladder with a sterile needle (such as that of a disposable syringe) in one or more places. Gently squeeze with gauze to allow the liquid to drain and apply an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection. Cover everything with a soft, sterile dressing until the blister is healed.
• In the past, a folk remedy involved using a needle and cotton thread, as if you were sewing. The needle was used to puncture the bubble from side to side and allow the serum to flow easily along the thread (it would act as a drain; sometimes, the method involves leaving it inside the bladder for one night). this treatment, in addition to being traumatic, favors the entry of bacteria into the lesion; considering then that we are talking about the feet, the risk is amplified.

is a disorder of the nails caused by microscopic fungi (fungi), very widespread in the environment. The infection is established due to the penetration of the fungi into the space between the lamina and the nail bed (ie the part on which the nail rests). "nail).

Habits, humidity and heat

Onychomycosis occurs more frequently when returning from summer holidays. The heat and humidity typical of the season create, in fact, an ideal environment for the proliferation of fungi. Walking barefoot in the pool or on the beach promotes contagion during the holidays, as well as repeated immersions in the water and the attendance of public changing rooms and showers in gyms and campsites. The incorrect habit of wearing tight socks and shoes (which prevent perspiration) also increases the likelihood of contracting nail fungus.

Other triggers

There are many opportunities to come into contact with fungi, but these microorganisms are not always able to establish themselves and cause infection.

Onychomycosis is more likely to occur in the presence of previous nail trauma, excessive sweating, circulatory problems and some diseases that reduce the immune system, such as diabetes. Furthermore, during aging, the nails tend to become thicker, so they are more susceptible to attack by fungi.

, but with a much lower frequency.

What makes the foot more vulnerable

The feet are the ideal habitat for the proliferation of fungi: inside the shoes a warm-humid environment is formed, thanks to sweating. Furthermore, blood circulation reaches the toenails with greater difficulty than in the hands, so the immune defenses are weaker.

Even the use of poorly breathable socks and previous nail traumas can facilitate the establishment of onychomycosis, as well as the habit of walking barefoot in damp places. Athlete's foot, psoriasis and pathologies are also predisposing factors. which reduce the immune defenses.

Some advice

A few simple steps are enough to prevent onychomycosis. First of all, it is necessary to always dry the feet, focusing on the nails and interdigital spaces after cleansing. The pedicure should always be thorough and aimed at keeping the nails short and clean. Finally, it is better to prefer non-occlusive footwear and breathable socks.

and one of the two edges of the nail plate may rise and cause pain.

Furthermore, the infection is not always confined to a single extremity (the big toe is affected more frequently), as the fungi can also affect the other nails or the skin of the foot. In the most serious cases, onychomycosis can cause detachment and failure to regrow the nail. In addition, they can extend to other areas of the body.

For all these reasons, it would be advisable to contact your doctor or ask your pharmacist for advice, right from the first symptoms.

and uncomfortable footwear.

When going to swimming pools, changing rooms and public toilets, always use slippers (or other protections).

Monitor closely for infections and treat as soon as possible.