Dermatitis and Fungal Infections, Most Common Foot Injuries After Exposure to Moisture and Mud

The Illustrious Official College of Podiatry of the Valencian Community (ICOPCV) has shared some recommendations to minimize foot and nail injuries after prolonged exposure to a humid environment. The most common are dermatitis and fungal infections.

Due to the situation experienced in Valencia by the DANA, affected people and volunteers are having to use footwear daily and for many hours that they are not accustomed to, such as the water boots necessary for cleaning tasks.

"The first thing we must do is try to protect the feet from moisture, to keep them dry and isolated. Therefore, water boots or footwear made with waterproof materials are necessary. To this, we must add good socks that protect and keep the foot dry, as the plastic of the boots causes increased sweating," explained Jorge Escoto, a podiatrist and member of the ICOPCV board of directors, in a statement.

Escoto recommends carrying spare socks and, if they get wet, changing them as soon as possible. "If it has not been possible to protect the feet from water or mud with insulating footwear, the feet should be washed well after the day with a neutral soap and warm water, dried correctly, and special care should be taken in the interdigital spaces," he enumerated. After that, he advises applying "appropriate hydration," he continued.