Summer fun putting Aussies' health at risk
Announcement posted by LlewCom 06 Feb 2018
Experts are warning Aussies of the risks of Summer pursuits, such as swimming, camping and going to the beach, after a new survey reveals that nearly two in three (62%) Aussies who use communal areas, admit to going barefoot.
This is leaving Australians vulnerable to nasty foot infections such as athlete’s foot (Tinea), warts or fungal nail infections - leaving parents out of pocket, and both kids and adults in pain, experts say.
The survey was conducted by Excilor, and shows that despite most people (94%) worrying about fungal infections in communal areas, with one in three (33%) admitting to developing a foot infection, people are still choosing to go barefoot.
Sports podiatrist Muhammad (Mo) Maarj has urged Australians to take foot health seriously, as infections are easy to pick up, especially in the hotter months.
“Moist areas including swimming pools, showers, change rooms, toilet blocks and even pavements around the beach create the perfect breeding ground for these infections. Although it may seem harmless, you could be putting your health - and the health of your family - at risk by walking around barefoot,” says Maarj.
“Those who spend a long time in their shoes or are exposed to moisture are also more prone to fungal infections – for example, everyday runners, those who compete in marathons or fun runs, walkers, and swimmers.
“With February here – traditionally a humid month in many parts of the country – it’s important to be vigilant with foot health. And with kids going back to school and spending more time in shoes and socks, it’s important for parents to keep an eye on their feet habits too.”
The Excilor survey shows that more than half of parents (57%) admit that their child doesn’t always wear thongs when around swimming pools or in public shower areas, despite 81% knowing that they could contract a wart or Tinea infection.
“Foot infections should not be downplayed. In fact, warts are a type of HPV that can occur anywhere around the body. A plantar wart under a big toe can cause someone to walk differently due to the pain. This compensation can result or exacerbate other overuse musculoskeletal injuries. Any type of foot disease can also be disastrous if you have Atherosclerosis or Diabetes and could even lead to amputation,” explains Maarj.
“It’s also a nuisance for the family, painful for children, and can be expensive - costing up to $500 in podiatrist consultations, surgery and treatments.”
Don’t put your head in the sand
Surprisingly, the Excilor survey showed that 38% of those that have developed a foot infection don’t seek help.
“There’s often a stigma around foot infections and many people just hope for it go away on its own. But if you get in early and nip it in the bud, then you can do something about it before the problem gets worse,” says Maarj.
However, he says that it’s important to take steps to ensure you and your family have good foot health, especially over Summer. As even when a foot infection is treated, once you’ve been infected once, you are at a higher risk of reinfection.
“People shouldn’t just put their head in the sand. If you take a few simple steps, foot infections can be easily prevented,” adds Maarj.
Five tips to avoid getting infected this Summer:
1. Always keep your feet dry. If feet are wet, fungal and bacterial infections can easily spread.
2. Give your feet a break. Take your shoes and socks off when you get home to give your feet a break from the moist environment.
3. Keep it to yourself. If a family member has a fungal infection or wart, ensure they are taking measures to reduce the possibility of infecting others. Wear thongs in communal showers, and ensure feet are completely dry before walking on the carpet.
4. Pack your thongs. Always wear thongs in communal environments such as swimming pools and change rooms.
5. Take action. Invest in a preventative spray that acts as a shield against foot infections - or if you do get infected, act fast.
The research also showed:
· 1 in 5 (22%) of parents admit their child already has contracted a foot infection
· 40% of people were unaware that you can contract a foot infection from a pedicure / foot treatment
· More than half (56%) did not know that even if you have successfully treated a foot infection, you could be reinfected from your socks or shoes
· 1 in 4 of parents (27%) admit that once their child has picked up a wart or tinea infection, they find it difficult to treat
Preventative measure
Excilor has recently launched a 3-in-1 protector spray – the only preventative solution available. It works as an 'invisible sock' that creates an effective, easy-to-apply barrier against the contraction of warts, athlete's foot and nail fungus during 8 hours of barefoot activity. For more information visit http://excilor.com/en-au/
“This product is an industry first. There’s been a lot of research on treatments, but no one has provided a preventative product before – until now,” says Maarj.
ENDS
About the research
This study was conducted by Pure Profile between 11th December and 19th December, 2017. The sample was 1,000 Australians aged 18 years and older distributed throughout Australia. 500 were mums with children aged 02-17 Years old. 500 were regular users of the Gym/Swimming Pools. Age, gender and region quotas were applied to the sample. Following the completion of interviewing, the data was weighted by age, gender and region to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.
About Excilor 3-in-1 Protector Spray
Excilor 3-in-1 Protector Spray creates an effective, easy-to-apply invisible barrier against the contraction of athlete’s foot (tinea), warts, and nail fungus during 8 hours of barefoot activity. Excilor 3-in-1 Protector Spray is exclusively distributed in Australia by First Pharma and is the first protector spray against foot infections.
First Pharma is an Australian owned and managed Pharmaceutical company created to provide valued products to consumers in Australia and the Asia Pacific markets. The company focuses on adding value in everything it does, and only produces and markets health care products which add value to people’s lives. First Pharma strongly believes that by focusing on valued health outcomes it will reward consumers and investors.