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Sockless Trend Sparks Fungal Epidemic Among Young Men

Sockless Trend Sparks Fungal Epidemic Among Young Men

Come on now, it's probably time to put some socks on.

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

It's no secret that wearing a pair of penny loafers with cropped trousers and no socks can make you look like a total fucking bellend, but did you know it can actually negatively impact your health as well as your street cred?

The College of Podiatry says it has noticed an alarming spike in the numbers of young men being treated for fungal foot infections and it looks like it's down to the sockless fad of recent years.

Podiatrist Emma Stephenson told the BBC she's seeing more 18-25-year-old men with "problems associated with wearing shoes without socks and ill-fitting shoes."

The sockless trend, spearheaded by guys who think muscle-fit suits are haute couture, appears to be causing something of a foot fungus epidemic. Pretty grim, eh?

"The average feet sweat about half a pint a day," Emma Stephenson told the BBC.

"Too much moisture and warmth can lead to fungal infections such as athlete's foot."

The results can be far from pleasant if left untreated.

"One of the worst incidents I've seen is a 19-year-old man who worked in a car wash. He had very sweaty feet and trench foot."

Of course, there are solutions.

Firstly, you could just put on some normal socks. Or, if that sounds too boring, why not invest in some so-called invisible socks, which you can actually see, just not when you put your shoes on.

Stephenson also suggests spraying antiperspirant on your feet before putting your shoes on.

Wiz Khalifa is also not a fan of the sock (Credit: PA)

This isn't the first time a short-lived fashion trend has led to widespread concern over health implications.

Men have previously been warned that wearing skinny jeans could lead to a twisted bollock...or worse.

''I have seen several cases of men who have twisted their testicles due to wearing jeans that are far too tight," Dr Hilary Jones told the Telegraph.

"My advice would be to make sure you leave plenty of room around the groin area and that your pants and trousers feel comfortable so you're not being restricted in any way.

''Men who wear tight or ill-fitting trousers, or underwear which is restrictive around the groin area could be damaging their health.

''Wearing tight-fitting clothing over a prolonged period of time can lead to urinary tract infections leading to over-activity of the bladder - a type of bladder weakness as well as a low sperm count and fungal infections.

''Please don't put style before health.''

Featured Image Credit: Pixabay

Topics: Fashion