Athlete’s foot is a common problem affecting about 10% of the population — that’s millions of people dealing with itching, burning, peeling skin on their feet and between their toes. It’s also very contagious, and while it’s highly treatable, it’s better to avoid it in the first place.
At Texas Foot & Ankle Specialists, PLLC, our team helps patients get rid of stubborn athlete’s foot with medications and lifestyle guidance aimed at relieving and preventing symptoms. Here, our team offers six steps you can take — starting today — to prevent infections in the future.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, and the microorganisms that cause it thrive in warm, moist environments. One of the best ways to keep infections at bay is to give your feet a daily bath with warm, soapy water to get rid of sweat, dirt, and microorganisms that build up during the day.
After cleaning your feet, it’s very important to dry them thoroughly, eliminating any moist areas that could attract fungi. Be sure to dry between your toes, too — after a bath or shower, and also after swimming or using a hot tub. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly anytime your feet get sweaty, like after running or working out at the gym.
Walking barefoot in public areas, like locker rooms, gyms, or public showers, is one of the surest ways to pick up an athlete’s foot infection. The same is true if you walk barefoot around swimming pools or hot tub areas. That’s because the fungi that cause athlete’s foot love the damp pavement and flooring found there.
You can protect your feet by always wearing shower shoes or flip-flops in these areas, preventing skin-to-floor contact. Disinfect your footwear often to get rid of any fungi that may have taken hold.
The warm, dark environment provided by your footwear makes a great home for the fungi that cause athlete’s foot. To reduce the risk of infection, alternate shoes each day, giving one pair a chance to dry out thoroughly.
Be sure to keep your socks dry, too. Packing an extra pair to change into after a workout or if the day is especially hot plays an important role in preventing fungal buildup.
Airing out shoes and keeping socks dry is one way to reduce fungal infections, but you can go a step farther by selecting the right footwear to begin with.
In general, avoid shoes made of synthetic materials, like rubber or plastic, that don’t offer air flow. Instead, choose athletic footwear that features mesh and other ventilation features, and opt for leather for dressier shoes. Avoid tight or confining shoes when possible to ensure airflow around your feet.
For socks, again, natural materials are your best bet — look for wool, wool blends, or cotton. Better still, choose socks made of fabrics designed to pull moisture away from your feet, and keep an extra pair on hand so you can change out of socks whenever they become damp.
You can keep feet extra dry with a quick sprinkle of medicated foot powder after washing your feet or any time you change your socks. Medicated powder helps soak up extra dampness while providing an extra layer of protection against fungal buildup.
In addition to sprinkling powder on your feet, consider sprinkling it inside your shoes before slipping them on or when you’re airing them out.
It’s worth repeating: Athlete’s foot is highly contagious, which is one reason that it’s so common. To avoid “catching” an infection from someone else, never share shoes or socks, even for a short time, and don’t use a towel that’s been used by someone else unless it’s laundered first.
When you wash towels and other linens, use hot water, and always take your own towels and other gear with you when you work out or use a locker room or public shower.
If you do develop an infection, it’s okay to try to treat it first at home using these six steps combined with over-the-counter products. But remember: fungal infections can be very stubborn and hard to treat on your own.
If your infection persists or gets worse or if you notice pus, swelling, redness, or other signs of serious infection, call the office right away so we can help eliminate the infection and prevent complications.
To have your foot infection evaluated by our team or to learn how we can put an end to recurrent or chronic infections, schedule an appointment at our locations in Mesquite, Forney, and Kaufman, Texas, today.
