140 An Introduction to Medical Mycology 



out with a 1:1,000 solution of bichloride of mercury or a 2:100 solution 

 of cresol. A 5 per cent solution of formalin is also satisfactory. 



4. The bath mat should be used only by the infected person. Once 

 weekly it should be placed to soak in a 2 per cent solution of cresol and 

 afterward washed. A newspaper spread over the bath mat should later be 

 picked up and burned. 



5. A patient may advantageously use paper slippers in walking to and 

 from the bath. These may then be burned. Walking over rugs, carpets 

 or bare floors may leave the infection for others to pick up. Pathogenic 

 fungi may remain viable for several months. 



6. It is unwise ever to scratch, pick or scrape an area of dermatophytosis 

 with the fingernails. Most infections of the fingernails are thought to be 

 derived directly from the feet. 



(.3) Uninfected persons. 



a. Individual measures. Although, as previously mentioned, some people 

 appear to have natural immunity, the fact that one does not have an infec- 

 tion is usually solely due to lack of contact with a pathogenic fungus. In 

 order to remain free from dermatophytosis, one should observe the follow- 

 ing precautions. 



1. One should have a daily bath. The feet should be carefully dried, 

 and purified talc, or better still a talc containing 1 per cent thymol, may 

 be dusted liberally under and between the toes. If other members of the 

 household are infected and use the tub, chlorine may be added to the 

 bath water. 



2. Loose and dead skin should be removed, and nails should be kept 

 trimmed. Callosities should be treated. Fungi grow in horny material. 



3. Attention should be given to flatfoot or other orthopedic conditions. 

 These predispose to hyperhidrosis, which in turn favors invasion of a 

 pathogenic fungus. 



4. Hyperhidrosis may be relieved by roentgen therapy or by soaking 

 the feet for two to 10 minutes daily in a 25 per cent solution of formalin. 

 Only sufficient solution is placed in a basin to cover the sole and reach 

 part way up the sides of the foot. The solution is too strong for the dorsum 

 of the foot. 



5. As a rule one should avoid public bathing places and Turkish baths. 

 If possible, one should refrain from walking on carpets, rugs or bare 

 floors. If in a hotel, one should walk to the bathroom in slippers and place 

 newspaper on the bathroom floor to stand on. The tub or shower should be 

 washed out with hot water if no antiseptic is available for this purpose. 



6. If one visits a public beach or bathing resort or other place where 

 exposure is likely, the feet should be painted as soon afterward as possible 



