How to recognize foot fungal symptoms

Dealing with a foot fungus can be frustrating and also embarrassing. Knowing the symptoms of a toe fungus can help you determine when it's more than just an irritation on your foot. By being aware of these symptoms and clues you can know when it's time to go to the doctor to get help. Sometimes a cream or ointment can help and other times you need much more.

Fungal infections can wreak havoc on a person's social life. You might feel uncomfortable going to places like pool parties or summer events when your feet might be seen. You do not have to change your social life when you talk to a doctor who specializes in these infections. You can get the help you need and get back to your normal self. Be sure to talk with a doctor if you see any of these signs on your own feet. Do not sacrifice your social life and fun because you feel you are alone.

Redness or Rash

When you have a fungal infection on your foot you may notice a rash or red areas popping up on your foot. They can be severe to minor. They can also cover a large part of your foot. This is just one sign that something is going on.

Itching or Burning

This is another major sign of an infection starting up or going on in your foot. The fungus can make your skin very irritated and itchy. It will also feel as though you can not get it to stop. The more you scratch it, the more it itches. Sometimes you may have more of a burning sensation that is very uncomfortable.

Swelling

Some fungal infections can cause swelling and pain in your feet. You may notice this as the infection gets worse if nothing is done about it. This can also cause your feet to be very uncomfortable in your shoes if it gets too swollen.

Smell

There could also be a bad smell coming from your feet that is not a normal smell. It may be very unpleasant and embarrassing if you are put into any situations where shoes come off. This is one sign that you need to have your foot checked out.

Toenails

Your toenails will also tell the tale of a foot fungal infection. They will become yellowed and brittle. You may notice they look thick and do not look as the other toenails do. There are certain infections that only infect the nail and nail bed.

These are all signs that you have a fungal infection in your feet. It can be tough to get rid of this type of infection if you do not know what to do. There are all types of Toenail Fungus Removal options and one will work perfect for you. If you have tried over the counter medications or treatments and they do not help then you need to call the physician. There are several medical treatments and laser treatments that can help you be comfortable with your own feet again.

Chocolate Allergy Linked to Roaches

Allergy sufferers who react to chocolate might be shocked to learn their allergy could be linked to something other than the cocoa bean: an allergy to cockroach.

An average of 8 insect parts are found in a chocolate bar and deemed safe, according to the FDA's guidelines.

"Most foods have natural contaminants in them, but there are levels which the FDA deems safe," said allergist Dr. Morton M. Teich. "Anything more than 60 insect pieces per 100 grams of chocolate is rejected by the FDA. "

Trace amounts of insect parts that are ground into the food and can affect people with allergies and asthma. Some side effects include migraines, cramps, itching or hives.

Chocolate isn't the only food product to blame for contamination, other foods like peanut butter, macaroni, fruit, cheese, popcorn, wheat and some cheese also contain this material.
Allergists can help patients with cockroach allergies by giving them allergy shots with small amounts of the insect as well as removing chocolate from their diet.

First reported in 1943, allergists began skin testing for cockroaches in 1959. "Allergists are testing now because they're finding that asthma can be caused by cockroaches," said Teich, "I have patients whom we've tested for cockroach who really get reactions."

Teich says most of his patients are shocked at this information and swear off chocolate after discovering its contaminants. "Most of them say, 'I'm not going to eat that anymore!'"
However if you think a simple switch of brands will keep you from safe from roaches, you're wrong-cockroaches and their droppings seem to be indigenous to the cocoa bean.

"To avoid [insects in your food], it's almost impossible," said Teich. "You probably would have to stop eating completely."

To consume foods without traces of insects, producers would have to use more pesticides, which Teich believes are much worse than eating a few insects. Some argue that the pricier chocolate brands take extra precautions in separating the bugs from the beans but there is no evidence that proves it.

By: Lauren Torrisi