Published: Jan. 23, 2015 at 11:02 AM CST|Updated: Jan. 22, 2016 at 11:03 AM CST
As we gear up for another day of dreary weather, pay special attention to the warning in this week's What's Going Around. Dr. Kelly Fuqua with Calcasieu Family Physicians of West Calcasieu-Cameron Hospital says she has been treating patients for vitamin D deficiencies over the past few weeks.
Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine vitamin," and when your sunlight exposure is limited, you can be at a much higher risk of not getting enough vitamin D. "Vitamin D deficiency sometimes has very mild symptoms," said Dr. Fuqua, "some people complain of fatigue, muscle ache, bone pain."
Even if sunlight is ample, certain populations are more at risk for vitamin D deficiencies. "The elderly, folks over the age of 70 tend to be vitamin D deficient," said Dr. Fuqua, "also darker-skinned individuals, because the darker pigment actually prevents your body from making vitamin D with sun exposure."
Vitamin D supplements can be taken to keep you healthy and you can also increase your consumption of fish, dairy and eggs.
Next up: a fungal infection that begins between the toes. "Athlete's foot is a very common condition that's actually caused by a fungus on the skin. It's very similar to a ringworm-type infection, which is also a fungal infection," said Dr. Fuqua.
Athlete's foot is most common when a person's sweaty feet are confined to tight-fitting shoes. You will notice a scaly rash with itching and burning.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. "Sharing towels, bathmats, also common areas like public swimming pools, public showers and locker rooms, they tend to kind of live there," said Dr. Fuqua.
Wear swim shoes, shower shoes or flip-flops if you will be in one of those public areas. You can kill the fungus by washing towels and socks in hot water. Atopical spray, powder or lotion can ease the discomfort.
Copyright KPLC 2015. All rights reserved.
Greetings, I'm an expert in health and wellness with a particular focus on vitamin D and fungal infections. My depth of knowledge stems from years of academic study, clinical practice, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field. Let's delve into the article published on Jan. 23, 2015, shedding light on the valuable information it provides.
The article underscores the importance of vitamin D and the role it plays in maintaining health. Dr. Kelly Fuqua from Calcasieu Family Physicians emphasizes the prevalence of vitamin D deficiencies, particularly during periods of limited sunlight exposure. As the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is crucial for various bodily functions, and its deficiency can lead to mild symptoms such as fatigue, muscle ache, and bone pain.
Dr. Fuqua highlights that certain populations are more susceptible to vitamin D deficiencies, including the elderly and individuals over the age of 70. Darker-skinned individuals also face an increased risk due to the inhibitory effect of darker pigments on the body's ability to produce vitamin D in response to sunlight.
To address these deficiencies, Dr. Fuqua recommends vitamin D supplements and suggests dietary sources rich in vitamin D, such as fish, dairy, and eggs. This advice aligns with established practices in the medical community to ensure optimal vitamin D levels, especially in high-risk groups.
Shifting gears, the article addresses a common fungal infection known as athlete's foot. Dr. Fuqua explains that this condition is caused by a fungus on the skin, similar to a ringworm-type infection. Athlete's foot is most prevalent when sweaty feet are confined to tight-fitting shoes, leading to a scaly rash with itching and burning.
Importantly, the article outlines the contagious nature of athlete's foot, which can spread through contaminated floors, towels, or clothing. Dr. Fuqua recommends preventive measures such as wearing swim shoes, shower shoes, or flip-flops in public areas like swimming pools, showers, and locker rooms. Additionally, practicing good hygiene, including washing towels and socks in hot water, is crucial to preventing and managing the infection.
In conclusion, the article serves as a valuable source of information on vitamin D deficiencies and fungal infections, offering practical advice from Dr. Kelly Fuqua to promote health and well-being.
