Happy Father’s Day to all Dads out there Flip flops and Lyme disease

There are so many foot rashes that we see and it’s a common assumption that it is fungal skin infection / athlete’s foot – however this is not always the case of course.

Now that the weather is sunny and we are more likely to be with open toed footwear, Lyme Disease is not often spoken about and so today we will discuss this rarely diagnosed condition.

At the end of our Sunday newsletter today, we will also share the pros and cons of wearing flip flops.

Our feet are particularly susceptible to rashes as they are usually kept covered for most of the year and we may therefore not be aware of signs until we start to experience bothersome symptoms.

Foot or ankle rashes can present with a variety of symptoms, such as a moderate or chronic rashes that never disappear such as a venous eczema for example or a severe or itchy rash that travels up the leg.

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that is spread to humans from the bite of an infected tick.  The rash of Lyme disease may look like a dartboard sign because it appears as a red ring that surrounds a clear central area.  It is usually a slowly enlarging red patch of skin that can expand to at least 7 inches in diameter.  The rash often feels warm to the touch but it’s usually not painful or itchy.

It is really essential to obtain a quick diagnosis in the event of an infected tick bite as then it can be resolved fully and successfully.  However the longer a correct diagnosis the more problematic this seemingly innocuous occurrence becomes.

Here are some tips in order to prevent Lyme Disease the Centres for disease control and prevention have an excellent link here: https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/prev/on_people.html 

• We should also consider long socks when walking in grassy areas.
• Swiftly cover any cuts or wounds on your feet with non adherent dressings such as melolin and hypafix.
• Wear light coloured clothes and socks so that ticks are easier to spot when walking in woody, bushy or grassy areas.
• According to the Environmental Protection Agency, clothes that have been treated with permethrin are safe to wear and repel ticks.

Are you fond of wearing flip flops?  Flip-flops as the name aptly suggests have very little biomechanical benefit expect to possibly enhance clawing of the toes to keep this type of foot wear in place.  However they are very easy type of footwear to put on and take off.  Birkenstocks although not quite a flip flop more a non slip slider albeit not our favourites, however, cited by so many of our clients as comfortable we now accept that these are our preferred type of open toed footwear for the summer outdoors.  Notwithstanding flip flops design and wide range of colors in terms of fungal conditions they are ideal.

Pros and Cons of Wearing Flip Flops

Are you fond of wearing flip flops? Flip-flops are a simple footwear and can be made with materials that range from neon foam to expensive leather. Notwithstanding their design and wide range of colors, research found out they might not be the best option for daily wear.  This might be brought on by inadequate or nonexistent heel and arch support.

They are useful in preventing the emergence of ailments like athlete’s foot.  We suggest to avoid wearing them while driving, participating in sporting events, and walking long distances.

Despite being fashionable and simple to put on and take off, these can be hazardous if worn excessively.  These footwear may shield you against fungal illnesses like athlete’s foot, but if you trip while wearing them, they may also cause foot pain and damaged ankles.

These shoes don’t provide any arch support, making them unsuitable for daily wear.  Additionally, they don’t cushion the heel or absorb shock, which might be hazardous for your feet.  Moreover, because they provide minimal protection for your feet, you could get glass cuts, puncture wounds, and stubbed toes.

Other Cons of wearing Flip flops

• They Slow You Down
• May Cause Blisters and Calluses
• Expose Your Feet to Bacteria

Are you suffering from any foot condition?  At The Chelsea Clinic, we can help.  One of our podiatrist can assist and then recommend what treatments are best to get you back on track. Podiatrist South Kensington

Schedule an appointment here or you may call us at +44 (0) 207 101 4000. 

We hope you have a feetastic day! 

-The Chelsea Clinic and Team

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