December 2011 Health Bulletins
Ask the Doc
Dr. P. Davis Smith, medical director at Wesleyan University’s Davison Health Center, answers questions submitted by our readers.
Q: I have a question regarding germs. I have always heard that it is best to wear flip-flops when in the communal showers, but I never have. My thought is that there is constantly soap and water running across the floor keeping it clean and germ-free. Is this so? If not, why isn't this the case?—Mike, Wheaton College, Norton, MA
A: I advise students to never go barefoot when at college, especially in bathrooms. I frequently see students requiring treatment for plantar warts (caused by human papillomavirus (HPV)), athlete’s foot, and jock itch (both caused by tinea, a fungus), all of which are likely acquired by going barefoot. Other consequences I see are fungal toenail infections, glass or other foreign objects in the foot, and the dreaded “I pulled the door over the top of my foot and ripped the nail off.”
Why are there viruses and fungi in the shower? Let’s start with the viruses. They’re sneaky and very good at spreading from person to person. There are many types of HPV. Most genital warts are caused by types 6 and 11. Most cervical cancer is caused by types 16 and 18. The types that cause hand warts don’t cause genital or plantar (as in “plantar surface of the foot,” aka sole) warts, the types that cause plantar warts don’t cause hand or genital warts, etc. The virus is just a piece of genetic code. It inserts itself into the code of skin cells it infects and makes those cells make millions of copies of it. These copies are sloughed along with dead skin cells and lie in wait for their next victim. All you have to do is step on a potentially microscopic sloughed skin cell infected with virus and BAM!, you’re infected.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by tinea. Athlete’s foot is called tinea pedis. Jock itch is also a tinea infection (tinea cruris) and is believed to often be transmitted by fungal elements accumulated in the fingernails during scratching. So keep your fingernails short and clean and wash your hands after scratching your feet and before scratching anywhere else. Fungi like warm, moist environments like shower stalls, the space between toes, and the space between scrotum and thigh. Sometimes it can occur in the armpits, under breasts, or under fat folds on the abdomen. These infections are called intertrigo. Drying yourself thoroughly after bathing and, in susceptible people, using some powder to absorb moisture, can be helpful preventative strategies.
So why doesn’t the soap kill these things? I’m not entirely sure, to be honest. Partly they may be acquired from floors near but not in showers. It may also be that these viruses and fungi are less vulnerable to soap than bacteria. Are you a bio major? This has the makings of a great senior thesis.
Send Us Your Photos!
Show Us How You Have Spent Spring Break
Spring is probably the last thing on your mind in December, but in an upcoming issue of Student Health 101, we will be showing photos of how students have spent their time during spring break so you can get some ideas for yourself. We will also be sharing your top spring break tips. Send us a favorite photo of you during spring break. If we publish it, you can earn $$$. To find out more, CLICK HERE.
One Simple Act That Can Make a Big Difference in Your Health
You may not give washing your hands much thought, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that “the most important thing you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.” Handwashing can prevent not only common diseases like colds, but also more serious diseases like hepatitis A, meningitis, and infectious diarrhea. December 4 to 10 is National Handwashing Week, so if you’ve been skipping the handwashing lately, get out the soap and water and start scrubbing.
Does Chicken Soup Really Help Fight the Common Cold?
Here are a few common remedies that can alleviate symptoms of the common cold that you may have heard of. Do they work? The Mayo Clinic reports that each can help alleviate the symptoms of the common cold:
• Chicken soup offers anti-inflammatory and mucus-thinning properties.
• Water and other fluids alleviate congestion and prevent dehydration.
• Saltwater gargles relieve sore and scratchy throats.
• Zinc has been disputed as a cold remedy but latest research shows that zinc appears to help fight a cold. Lozenges and medicines with zinc can have some side effects, so research how the body may react to zinc and consult with a healthcare provider if you’re uncertain using a zinc-based product.
Trying to Cut Calories? Slow Down
A new study out of the University of Rhode Island in Kingston has found that people who eat slowly tend to take in fewer calories than those who inhale their food. So if you’re worried about putting on pounds, slow down.
Brush Up on Oral Health
Are you brushing right? Are you flossing regularly? Don’t get down in the mouth. Maintain proper oral health. For more info, CLICK HERE.