Gardening and Nail Fungus?

The bulbs are starting to poke their leaves out of the soil and the weather is getting warm. If you're like many, you're getting ready to put on your gardening gloves and shoes. Better be careful what type of shoes you put on however. Recent research from the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, the plastic-foam shoes often worn by gardeners, along with soil, may cause nail fungus.
We all know that fungus loves damp, moist environments, and those convenient, slip-on, foam shoes, worn with no socks, provide an excellent breeding ground.

The fungal infection stems from wearing knock-off versions of Crocs. In real Crocs, the patented plastic wicks water away from the skin. In faux Crocs, the plastic is not breathable, and moisture is locked in. Combined with the bacteria and protozoa from the soil, the risk of getting a skin or nail infection is very high.
Here's some tips on avoiding fungal infections while you're outside enjoying one of your favorite pastimes:

• Wear socks. Whether you're wearing real or fake Crocs, make sure you are wearing socks. The socks will help wick and keep away moisture from your feet. 
• Practice good hygiene. Wear gloves while you're gardening. If you're not into wearing gloves, make sure you wash your hand thoroughly. 
• Find better shoes. Shoes with open holes are not ideal for working out in the garden, especially when there's mud involved. Look for shoes with closed backs and no holes, like Croc Boots. 
• Know when you need treatment. Fungus is easy to get but difficult to get rid of on your own. Know when you need to call your podiatrist to help you get back to your favorite hobby fungus free. 

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Podiatrists in CT
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