Australia’s funky feet issues
November 20, 2012
FIFTY-five percent of Australians
have experienced something
‘funky’ on their feet (including
fungal conditions such as nail rot,
tinea or athlete’s foot), according to
a new survey from Chemists Own.
The same survey also found that
despite over half the nation having
suffered a funky foot symptom,
many go to great lengths to cover
up their affected feet with 30%
saying they never take their shoes
off in public, 23% steering clear of
thongs, 24% avoiding open toed
shoes, and 16% painting their
toenails to hide their condition
(including one in 20 men).
“Our feet are one of the most
used and important parts of our
bodies,” said Chemists’ Own
Pharmacist, Gerald Quigley.
“We should care for our feet with
as much attention as we care for
our face.
“The importance of having a foot
care routine is essential for
everyone, checking for infections,
and cleaning and drying feet
properly every day,” he added.
The Chemists’ Own Healthy
Summer Report, which looked at
responses from 501 parents
of children aged 5 to 11, also found
that the reason so many suffer
from foot conditions, may in fact
stem from poor hygiene practices,
with 25% admitting to failing to dry
between their toes, a fifth not
bothering to wear thongs while
using public showers, and one in 10
failing to wear socks with
trainers.
Interestingly, although some
people were too ashamed to
seek treatment almost three
quarters (72%) did.
In addition, when faced with
funky feet issues, the most popular
health care provider that
consumers turned to, according to
the survey, was their community
pharmacist, with 61% saying they
visited their pharmacist to treat
their condition.
Speaking about the findings
Quigley touted the importance of
pharmacy assistants, adding that it
is important that they have the
confidence to discuss feet issues
with patients, and that they are
competent in their knowledge of
feet conditions and treatment.
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