Abstract
Introduction: Fungal infections of the skin and nails are one of the most common skin diseases in the world. The ever-growing number of fungal infections is caused by genetic factors, lack of prevention and insufficient knowledge about risk factors relating to fungal infections.
The aim of the project was to assess the awareness of beauty salon clients to fungal infections of the skin and nails of the feet, with a particular emphasis on the factors contributing to infection.
Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 125 clients of beauty salons.
The data was collected via an anonymous questionnaire comprising 30 questions.
Results: The majority of respondents (84% of women and 70% of men) considered the swimming pool as the main risk factor for fungal infection of the feet. The respondents listed specialists to whom they would turn after noticing suspicious skin changes on their feet. These were dermatologists (18% of responding women and 38% of responding men) as well as podologist (35% of responding women and 23% of responding men). However, the majority of respondents (45% of responding men and 33% of responding women) would use an over-the-counter antifungal medicine, easily obtained in a pharmacy, in case of suspected fungal nail infection (onychomycosis), without consulting a physician.
Conclusions: Most respondents know the risk factors contributing to fungal infections. However, a high percentage of them have low awareness of the actions to be taken when onychomycosis is suspected.