Athlete’s Foot Prevention Best Practices You Should Embrace Right Away

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, as well as the toenails and hands.

Also known as tinea pedis, its more commonly used name is due to the fact that it commonly affects athletes or those who exercise frequently. While not seen as a serious condition, it can be difficult to cure.

The symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching and stinging on the soles of the foot or between the toes, blisters, peeling of the skin, and discolored and thick toenails. In this blog post, we will focus on athlete’s foot prevention and the best practices that you should embrace.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Before we consider steps for the prevention of athlete’s foot, we must first look at the cause. It occurs when tinea fungus grows on the feet and can be caught either through direct contact with an infected individual or by touching contaminated surfaces.

There are a number of factors that can increase an individual’s risk of catching athlete’s foot. These include:

• Going barefoot in public places (especially showers, swimming pools, and locker rooms)
• Having sweaty feet
• Sharing items of clothing (especially towels, socks, and shoes) with an infected individual
• Wearing tight, closed-toe shoes

Athlete’s foot is generally treated with over-the-counter medications.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention Tips

For starters, it is advised that you avoid the above risk factors and do not go barefoot in public places or share items of clothing with other individuals.

You should also wash your feet every day and ensure that they are thoroughly dried afterward. Socks, towels, and bed sheets should be washed at a high temperature (140°F or higher).

It is also advised that you wear socks that are made out of breathable or synthetic fibers and shoes made of breathable materials. Always change your socks when they are sweaty and it is recommended that you put antifungal powder on your feet daily.

You should also alternate between at least two pairs of shoes, allowing time for one pair to properly dry out between uses.

For optimal health and in order to fight bacteria and inflammation, moisturize dry skin, heal skin fissures, and regenerate skin cells, you should also use this foot chafing salve.

Treat Your Feet With the Care They Deserve

If you have ever experienced athlete’s foot before, particularly if you are active within the sports industry, you will know how uncomfortable it can be. The above prevention tips can help you to reduce your chances of catching this fungal infection.

If you frequently visit public places such as gyms and swimming pools, it is important to always wear sandals, given that these places are where athlete’s foot is most commonly transmitted.

Did you like this blog post on athlete’s foot prevention? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.