Top Tips to Prevent Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can be exasperating! With flaking skin and itchy patches, it can often become sore and uncomfortable to deal with. It usually starts between your toes, but can also affect the side of your feet and your soles.
We understand how frustrating this condition can be and that’s why as podiatrists, we’re here to help you. In this article we explore the cause of athlete’s foot and some top tips to avoid this dreaded condition.
What causes athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, clinically known as tinea pedis, is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments and infect the top layers of your skin. Athlete’s foot most commonly occurs if your feet have become very sweaty while confined within shoes or trainers. It can also be transmitted in gym changing rooms, public showers or swimming pools.
Our podiatrists’ top tips to avoid athlete’s foot
1. Wear natural fibre socks
Synthetic socks can cause your feet to sweat and are less breathable than natural fibres like cotton or bamboo. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot loves dark, warm, damp environments, so the less your feet are sweating, the less likely it will cause you concern.
2. Change your socks and air your shoes daily
Feet sweat more than you may realise and the warm, dark and damp environment inside your shoes and socks makes it the perfect breeding ground for fungus. The longer you wear your socks, the more you are encouraging growth of fungus and the chance of smelly feet, so always change your socks each day and after activities where your feet may have got sweaty such as after a gym class or a run.
Also try to air your shoes, so if you wear a certain pair of trainers when you’re at the gym, change into a different pair after you’ve washed your feet for the journey home.
3. Shoe spray
Even if you have successfully treated your athlete’s foot condition, the fungus can still be living in your shoes for several months, waiting to reinfect your feet. Antifungal shoe spray is a great way to avoid this as it disinfects your shoes and reduces the offending fungus to manageable levels. Respray shoes every day after use, especially if you’ve had sweaty feet.
4. Wash your feet daily
Keeping your feet clean is a great way to reduce the risk of fungus but remember to dry between your toes as fungus loves dark, damp environments. We also suggest you avoid sharing towels with other family members as there’s a risk of spreading the condition. If possible, use a different towel for your feet all together as you can also spread the fungus to other body parts.
5. Avoid being barefoot in public areas
As Athletes’ Foot can spread easily, we suggest if you’re going to your local gym or pool, to wear flip flops, sandals or pool shoes in the changing areas to keep your soles covered and avoid contact with potentially infected surfaces.
6. Take action
If you believe you may have Athlete’s Foot, or perhaps the start of it, don’t hesitate in getting it treated. Visit a podiatrist. Here at Epsom Footcare we will fully assess your feet to confirm your condition. We’ll recommend a tailored course of treatment to alleviate your symptoms and get you back to having comfy feet you are proud of.
Get in touch with our dedicated Patient Care Team on 01372 723000 or book your initial consultation here.
