Fear The Yoga Mat

Being barefoot when practicing yoga is not only good etiquette to the practice, but also better for your body. Much like with running being barefoot during yoga allows your body to engage in it’s natural stance. However there are precautions...

As with other types of exercise done indoors in groups, yoga has the potential to create a germ-filled environment.  Yoga mats can contract and contain infections from toenail fungus to the common cold. To be safe we suggest you always use your own yoga mat, and clean it properly after each use (whether you felt sweaty or not). Don't go barefoot if you have open sores on your feet, and wash your feet after class to avoid any contamination.

If you are prone to picking up fungus, viruses or bacteria we also suggest looking into Yoga socks. They come in a variety of types and colors and actually enhance performance with no-slip grips.

Are Pedicures Really to Blame?

So what harm can a pedicure really do? What are the pesky culprits behind the danger of a pedicure? One Word: Dermatophytes.

Dermatophytes are the main fungus responsible for nail infections, and is also the same fungus which causes athletes foot. While most cases are caused by this fungus the actual 'type' of infection can vary with severity and symptoms. For details on each type visit here. 

The most commonly seen fungal infection is called Distal Subungual Onychomycosis (DSO). In this case the infection starts at the end of the nail bed, and part of the nail often turns yellow or white, and may thicken. Pieces of skin and nail fragments build up under the nail. As the condition gets worse, the nail may crumble and split, and it may separate from the skin. This condition can progress at a fast pace if not diagnosed and treated promptly.

How can a pedicure cause you an infection? 

It’s not just about the salon; it’s also about the condition of your feet. You do need to be certain your salon sanitizes properly, but their uncleanliness isn’t all to blame. Bacteria and fungus live everywhere, and sometimes even fight through the harshest chemicals. Due to this you need to be proactive. Don’t get a pedicure if you have any cuts, scrapes, scabs, sore spots, inflammation, etc. on your feet or legs (within pedicure territory). The living bacteria and fungus are given a gateway to infection through these areas. If your immune system isn’t strong enough or the strand is particularly stubborn you will end up fighting a long road of infection. For extra tips on a safe pedicure visit our previous blog post: Keeping Your Toes Pretty for Spring.

At Carolina Foot Specialists we offer many treatment options including topical antifungal treatment, oral antifungal treatment, nail avulsion, and laser treatment of the toenails. The majority of cases, if caught early enough, can be treated with nail trimming and topical antifungal medication- we recommend a product called ClearNails-pro, available at our office. 

Are you seeing signs of a fungal infection? Call us today!
Charleston Office*843-225-5575 Mount Pleasant Office*843-654-8250