How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

One in 10 people may develop athlete’s foot at least once in their lifetime, and nearly all of them say the worst part is the intense, excruciating itching.

Some people find that self-care heals the problem. Others meet with the Specialized Foot and Ankle Care team right from the start, ensuring they get customized treatment that heals the problem and prevents recurrent fungal infections.

Facts about athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot begins when your skin comes in contact with dermatophytes, a group of fungi that thrive on keratin (a protein in your skin, hair, and nails).

The fungus survives for a long time in warm, moist environments. It’s also highly contagious and spreads from contaminated surfaces to your skin.

Most people pick up the fungus when walking barefoot in locker rooms, around swimming pools, and in saunas. The fungi also live in soil, so you can end up with athlete’s foot after enjoying a warm day going barefoot outside.

Contaminated towels, sheets, socks, shoes, and other items spread the fungus. Your hands can spread the infection from your feet to other body areas.

Once the fungus takes hold (usually between the toes or on the soles of your feet), the infection keeps growing thanks to the warm, sweaty environment inside your shoes.

Seven tips for preventing athlete’s foot

Follow these tips to protect yourself from athlete’s foot:

Tip 1: Cover your feet

The fungi can only spread if they come into contact with your skin. The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is by wearing shower or water shoes at the pool, in the locker room or a shared bathroom (like in a college dorm), or anywhere else people walk around barefoot.

Sandals and flip-flops are better than going barefoot, but they don’t provide the same protection as water shoes.

Tip 2: Wear proper footwear

You’re most likely to develop athlete’s foot if you wear shoes that are too tight or made of a material that doesn’t breathe.

Plastic and rubber shoes hold moisture, creating an environment that fosters fungal growth. By comparison, leather and canvas shoes let air circulate, helping your feet stay dry and cool.

Tip 3: Air out your feet and shoes

Your shoes need time to dry before wearing them again. If possible, try not to wear the same shoes every day.

It's also essential to give your feet time to air out whenever possible, so kick off your shoes and wear sandals or flip-flops when you’re relaxing at home.

Tip 4: Wear socks

Cotton socks or socks designed to wick away moisture and keep your feet dry create an environment that discourages fungal growth. If your feet naturally sweat a lot, it helps to change your socks throughout the day.

Tip 5: Use a foot powder

Sprinkling foot powder on your skin helps it stay dry by absorbing sweat. We may recommend a medicated anti-fungal powder to prevent a recurrent fungal infection.

Tip 6: Practice good foot hygiene

Wash your feet with soap and water and thoroughly dry them every day. Pay extra attention to cleaning and drying between your toes to prevent a fungal infection.

Tip 7: Don’t share towels, washcloths, bedding, and socks

As a general rule, don’t share these items with others. If you have athlete’s foot, don’t reuse your own towels, washcloths, bedding, and socks until the infection heals. Instead, wash them after one use.

Don’t wait to seek help

Athlete’s foot won’t improve without treatment, so don’t wait to seek help. The earliest sign is typically a patch of dry, itchy skin between your toes (or on the bottom of your foot). You may also have redness, burning, or inflammation.

Call Specialized Foot and Ankle Care or book online to get exceptional care for athlete’s foot. We have three New Jersey offices located in Carteret, Perth Amboy, and Edison.