HSE warn of common summer infection that affects thousands and keeps coming back – here’s how to treat it... - The Irish Sun
THE HSE has issued a warning over a common infection that affects thousands of Irish every summer - and it keeps coming back.
Fungal infection Athlete's Foot commonly arises in the hotter months when feet get sweaty and warm inside shoes.
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The health experts have issued advice on how to avoid and treat the fungal infection.
They said: "Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects the feet.
"You can usually treat it with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, but it can keep coming back."
Athlete's Foot is contagious and can be caught from contact with other people who have the infection.
It can be picked up when walking barefoot in places where someone else has Athlete's Foot, such as changing rooms and showers.
The HSE added: "You're more likely to get it if you have wet or sweaty feet, or if the skin on your feet is damaged."
The main symptoms to look out for include itchy white patches between your toes.
Red, sore and flaky patches on your feet, fluid-filled blisters and skin that may crack and bleed are also symptoms of the infection.
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The fungal infection can also affected the soles and the sides of feet.
The HSE added: "If it's not treated, it can spread to your toenails and cause a fungal nail infection."
Fortunately, athlete's foot usually gets better on its own, but anti-fungal medicines can also be bought from pharmacies to help with the infection.
HOW TO TREAT
Treatments come in the form of creams, sprays and powders, with most taking a few weeks to work.
To stop the fungal infection from coming back it is advised to use some form of pharmacy treatment.
If these treatments don't work, or if you have diabetes or a weak immune system, it is advised that you see your GP.
In order to prevent athlete's foot from developing, the HSE advise drying your feet after washing them - particularly between your toes.
It is also advised to use a separate towel for your feet, take your shoes off when at home, and wear clean socks every day.
Wearing flip-flops in public places, such as changing rooms and showers, can also help to reduce the chances of developing athlete's foot.
CIRRHOSIS ALERT
Meanwhile, cases of a deadly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have been soaring over the past three decades, according to a new study.
The condition, which causes inflammation of the organ, can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
The US survey found rates of the disease were increasing most rapidly among white Americans - by 133 per cent over three decades.
There are often no symptoms, meaning it can be difficult to diagnose.
According to the British Liver Trust, one in three people have early stage non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
And 20 per cent cent of those will go on to develop the more serious form which can lead to cirrhosis or cancer - both of which can be deadly.
Certain diseases - such as obesity, diabetes, pre-diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol - are known to increase the risk of NAFLD.
"More and more people are getting extra fat in their livers," said co-author Dr. Theodore Friedman, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, US.
The expert suggest the surge in cases could be due to western diets which tend to be high in fatty and processed foods.
He said: "It's a disease that develops because people are eating poorly and not exercising.
"I always tell patients to eat more vegetables".
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