The ManicaPost
Ann Ruthenburg —
IT is raining! For those who were born in Mutare around the 70s and 80s, I am sure you will agree with me that the weather we are experiencing this month is very much the normal Mutare weather.
The end and beginning of the year has always been marked with constant drizzles which taper down around April and so on.
So I am excited because rains always signify a change in season, blessings, abundance etc. I know there are floods in many areas, (so sad),but where the rains are normal, I am so very grateful and really believe these are a sign of many good things to come in 2017, for those who believe it.
Anyway, in line with the wet weather, I want to encourage you all this season to take a little bit more care. With wet weather comes all sorts of diseases at our doorsteps, all sorts of bacteria are thriving in the air and in the water. So I want to give you a few tips.
Apart from malaria and water born diseases, there are other bacteria that may affect people which can be avoided. A common one is fungi that sits in the socks or in dirty shoes (closed shoes/track shoes). Once you get fungi in your feet, toes etc, it is very difficult to get rid of it permanently. So let us take precautions now.
Wet socks and wet shoes are a bad combination for our feet. Too much moisture in our feet is also not good. Men, stop wearing your socks more than once without washing them. If for some reason your shoes and socks get wet while you are out at work or school or somewhere, you need to discreetly remove them, try and dry them as close to dry as possible. A quick dry place is behind a fridge or freezer, I am not joking.
There is a fan behind the fridge producing heat which is hot enough to dry your socks, but not too hot to burn them. And yes, I use this method sometimes when my clothes take time to dry and I need to wear something the next morning. Hey, if it works, I will do it.
When drying your feet, make sure you wipe in between the toes especially because fungi love to breed in between the toes where it is moist.
Another thing that may affect you in this weather (mainly women and kids) is wet grass. So many people tell me that after they walked through wet grass, they end up with a rash around their feet and their ankles. Yes, this is normal with certain grass types and if you have sensitive skin. Good news is that the rash should go in a day or two. But if it stays, it might be more than just a grass rash.
Hairy/Itchy worm is another culprit of itchy rashes that people (mainly kids), get affected by in the rainy season.
Just one hair of an itchy worm can almost drive someone crazy with scratching. The worm releases a defensive poison through its hairs, that makes humans itch like crazy.
Every household must have Calamine Lotion somewhere. This for me is the miracle lotion. No matter what the itch is, Calamine will relieve the itch.
Athletes foot is another problem fungi that sits in between the toes and on top of the feet and at the sides of the feet. It can be controlled, but not really destroyed once one has it.
Athletes foot is a nuisance to the person affected because if not medicated it will eat the skin in between the toes, leaving it white. If you scratch the skin it will lift off the inside of the toe leaving a raw patch behind. Oh and do not forget it is catchy (it is transferred in showers or any place where there is water and bare feet.
A treatment of tea tree oil will do the trick here. Once again keep the feet and in between the toes dry.
Tackies or running shoes need to be washed and dried outside in the air. Avoid drying shoes in house because the bacteria or fungi will dry in the shoe, but not die. You need to have them in the sun or the outside air/wind. Please do not continue to wear socks that are years old, they too will carry bacteria or attract fungi which will come out during the season.
Well, I hope you take note of this simple, but important warning….change your wet socks as soon as is possible. Dry your wet shoes as soon as you are able to.
Dry feet thoroughly especially in between the toes.
That is it from me folks, until next week, God Bless!
Fashion Diva can be found at Kutz n’ Kurlz Hair Salon in Meikles Department Store or messaged (not called) on 0733 285 730.
