Citing the health risk of nail fungus to the growing population of runners in the U.S., the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) has launched "Best Feet Forward," a nationwide, year-long campaign to educate America's 10.4 million runners about the prevention and treatment of this progressive and potentially serious infection.

The health expo for the Credit Union Cherry Blossom 10-Mile Run, held at the Crystal Gateway Marriott on April 2, is one of 22 marathons and other major running events where local podiatrists will provide runners and their families with free foot screenings as well as information about foot and nail care as part of this program. This health education initiative is supported by Dermik Laboratories.

"Nail fungus is an important health and foot care issue for runners, and the 'Best Feet Forward' campaign is consistent with our mission to promote education and wellness among the running population," said Becky Lambros, Executive Director of RRCA. "We encourage runners and their families to take advantage of the free foot screenings that will take place at major road races throughout the U.S. this year."

Runners, and in fact all exercise enthusiasts, are at risk of developing nail fungus because of the following risk factors, which are common to the running population:

* Nail trauma associated with running can make the nail bed more susceptible to fungal growth.

* Sweaty socks and tight athletic shoes promote a warm, moist environment that can contribute to the growth of the fungus.

* Because nail fungus is contagious, warm, moist environments such as communal showers and gym locker rooms are places where the fungus can be contracted.

"The sweaty socks and shoes that runners consistently wear may be breeding grounds for the fungi that cause this unsightly and potentially painful infection," said John Mozena, DPM, podiatrist and marathon runner. "Because nail fungus can seriously impact your running as well as your general foot health, we urge runners to practice prevention and seek medical care at the first sign of the problem."

About nail fungus
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a persistent fungal infection of the nails that affects approximately 35 million Americans. Nail fungus occurs when fungi called dermatophytes, usually Trichophyton rubrum, invade the nail. The incidence of nail fungus increases with age and is higher in men, but it can affect people of any age or gender.

The symptoms of nail fungus include changes in color and thickness of the nail. As the disease progresses, the nail thickens and causes pressure, especially when shoes are worn. People with nail fungus may have difficulty wearing shoes which can make it difficult to perform such activities as running and walking. Since the appearance of the nail may be embarrassing to people who suffer from this disease, they may avoid recreational activities that require taking off their shoes and socks.

Risk factors and prevention
Runners may have an increased risk of getting infected with nail fungus because of a greater exposure to specific risk factors, such as walking barefoot in contaminated areas (locker rooms and communal showers), exercising and wearing sweaty athletic socks. In order to prevent nail fungus, people can take the following measures:

* Wash and dry feet daily.

* Wear socks that absorb moisture.

* Make sure shoes are completely dry before putting them on.

* Do not wear tight shoes or the same pair of shoes every day; train in sneakers made of materials that breathe.

* Inspect feet regularly and have a doctor check for nail fungus and other running-related foot ailments during office visits.

* Wear shower shoes or flip-flops if possible when showering in public areas.

* Don't apply nail polish to nails that are suspected of infection.

Diagnosis and treatment
If a person develops a fungal nail infection, an appropriate diagnosis is key for treatment. There are some physical signs that help medical professionals determine if a nail condition is due to fungi or some other problem. Because the fungus can invade the nail and spread, it is important to stop the progression of the disease at the first symptoms of infection. The successful treatment of nail fungus does not happen overnight, especially considering that the nails, particularly toenails, grow slowly. No matter which treatment is used, it can take about six months for fingernails to grow out and up to a year or more for toenails.

Effective treatments for nail fungus, including both oral and topical medications, are available by prescription. People should visit their doctor and find out what treatment is most appropriate for them.

About Penlac(R)
Penlac(R), the first and only topical treatment for nail fungus approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, may be a treatment option. It is brushed on the nail with convenient once a day dosing and has been proven safe and effective in clinical studies. Penlac(R) is a topical prescription for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. Regular visits to your health care professional for the removal of unattached, infected nails may be required. If you have diabetes, it is important to talk to your health care professional about nail care. The most common side effects are redness around nails, nail shape change, irritation, ingrown toenail and discoloration. For additional information on this treatment or on nail fungus, please log on to www.penlac.com.

About the RRCA
Founded in 1958, the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) is one of the largest grassroots running organizations in America. The RRCA is a national, non-profit organization of more than 670 running clubs and 160,000 members dedicated to promoting long distance running as a competitive sport and healthful exercise. RRCA clubs organize races, training runs and social programs; promote children's and masters' fitness running programs; and provide safety guidelines. For more information on the RRCA, visit www.rrca.org.

The Road Runners Club of America does not explicitly or implicitly endorse any product for treatment of nail fungus.