Thinking of hitting the races without your socks this year? Well you could be hit with more than just bad smelling feet at the day’s end.
The College of Podiatry is reporting a rise in fungal infection amongst young males due to the current popular fashion trend of going sockless. British podiatrist Emma Stephenson says that there’s been an increase in this type infection amongst 18-25 year-old males who are either skipping socks or wearing ill-fitting shoes that promotes excess sweat.
“Too much moisture and warmth can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.”
“The average feet sweat about half a pint a day,” Stephenson told Newsbeat. “Too much moisture and warmth can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.”
And if you’re thinking that a little sweat can’t be too bad and is easily remedied with an occasional shoe wash then you’d be wrong. Stephenson says that the consequences can be pretty unpleasant and in the worst case she’s seen, a 19-year-old male who washed cars for a living and had constant sweaty feet was diagnosed with trench foot – a condition which can lead to a decaying smell, swelling, red feet, blisters, open sores and gangrene if left untreated.
This new-aged “mankle” look has been reinforced with celebrities and sports stars alike who are often seen in the spotlight going without socks. Having first been championed by the fashion magazines and catwalk, the “mankle” look can now be seen on influential men like Conor McGregor, Chris Hemsworth and a host of upcoming race goers who’ve just been given the green light to go without socks.
As the nature of fashion goes, stopping men from following trends might be near impossible but Stephenson says there is a safe way to pull it off – everything in moderation. That means minimising the amount of time you wear shoes without socks, spraying anti-perspirant onto your feet’s soles and keeping an eye for any pain, discomfort or emanating smells.
[via BBC]