In winter, the skin starts to feel dry due to cold wind and low temperature. Due to which skin related problems also increase.
Cases of foot infection are also seen in large numbers in winter. Heels (heels) begin to crack and cause problems such as itching, pain or swelling due to fungus on the soles. Due to which sometimes there is difficulty in walking. However, this problem can be avoided if a few precautions are taken.
So today In important news We will talk about why the risk of foot infection increases in winter. You will also learn that-
- Why is special care of feet necessary in winter?
- How can we protect our feet from the risk of infection in winter?
Expert: Dr. Sheena Kapoor, Dermatologist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Indore
Question: Why does the risk of foot infection increase in winter?
Answer- The humidity in the air decreases in winter. Due to this, the natural moisture in our skin starts to decrease. Dryness increases in the skin of hands and feet.
The risk of foot infection increases during this season as people wear socks more often during colder days. Dirty socks also cause foot infections.
Q- What kind of foot problems occur in winter? Answer- The skin and nails become dry in the cold, due to which they begin to weaken. This makes them more sensitive to injury and infection.
Apart from this, the biggest cause of foot infection in this season is moisture in the shoes. Wearing ill-fitting or tight shoes for long periods of time can also lead to fungal infections of the feet.
Check out the graphic below to see some common foot problems that can occur during winter.
Q- Which people are more at risk of getting foot infections on cold days?
Answer- Some people are more prone to foot infections in winter. Understand it with following pointers-
- Elderly people are at higher risk of infection because their immune system is weak
- People with diabetes and heart disease are at increased risk of foot infections because they have less blood flow to their feet
- People who have injuries or wounds on their feet are also at a higher risk of getting foot infections in winter
Question- Is it advisable to always keep feet covered in winter?
Answer- In winter people wear shoes and socks to protect their feet from cold. However, it is not advisable to cover the legs for a long time. Due to this there is also a risk of infection. So, whenever the sun shines, let the feet stay in the sunlight for a while.
Question- How to protect the feet from the risk of infection in winter?
Answer- Basic hygiene is essential to prevent foot infections. For this keep these things in mind-
- For this, wash your feet thoroughly at least twice a day. After washing your feet, do not forget to dry them well. Do not leave moisture, especially in the area between the fingers.
- Wear light and breathable socks. Change your socks regularly. Never wear dirty socks. Do not share your shoes or socks with anyone. It also increases the risk of infection.
- Avoid going barefoot in winter where there is high humidity
Apart from this, it is necessary to take care of some other things. Understand it from the following graphic-
Q- Are women more prone to foot infections than men?
Answer- Yes of course, some women wear silver or other metal rings in their toes. Due to which moisture remains in the bed area. It can also lead to fungal infection. So women should take special care of their feet.
Q- How to avoid toenail infection in winter?
Answer- Like our skin, nails also weaken in the cold. There is a risk of fungal infection in nails during this season. So it is very important to take care of the feet as well as the nails. Special care should be taken while cutting nails in cold weather. such as-
- Do not let the nails grow too long. Long nails can trap dirt and moisture.
- While cutting the nails, use a suitable cutter so as not to scratch the nail surface
- While cutting the nail, be careful not to touch the skin completely. Even a small cut mark can spread infection.
- Applying chemical nail paint should also be avoided. Sometimes nail paint containing chemicals can cause infection.
Question- What to do if there is a fungal infection in the feet?
Answer- Dr. Sheena Kapoor says that home remedies should be avoided in case of foot infection. It can make the situation more serious. Do not ignore the condition if there is bleeding, pain or swelling around the nail that makes it difficult to walk. Contact the nearest doctor immediately. Do not self-medicate.
Image Credit: (Divya-Bhaskar): Images/graphics belong to (Divya-Bhaskar).
