5 Habits to Prevent Athlete's Foot

Fungal infections can show up in locations around your body, but the warm, damp, dark environment around your feet and toes provides a perfect space for infections to flourish.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is one of the most common fungal infections that affect feet and toes. The condition shows up as a scaly rash and can end up causing a lot of itching and discomfort.

At Town Center Foot & Ankle, our experienced care team, led by Stephen Eichelsdorfer, DPM, can help you resolve a stubborn case of athlete's foot. There's also a lot you can do to avoid contracting athlete's foot, or to prevent reinfection if you've had a case and recovered. 

Dr. Ike, as his patients call him, recommends these five habits to his new and existing patients.

1. Watch out for bare feet

Fungal infections like athlete's foot pass easily from person to person. If you don't want to deal with athlete's foot or other fungal infections, don't walk barefoot through common areas with lots of other foot traffic, especially around moisture or people who have been sweating actively.

2. Use shower shoes

If you need to move through a common area like a shared shower or locker room, protect your feet from fungal infections by wearing shower shoes or sandals.

3. Change your shoes and socks

Wearing damp, sweaty shoes and socks for long periods gives fungal infections a chance to develop. To avoid athlete's foot, change your gear frequently, and let your gym shoes dry out thoroughly after exercising.

4. Hang on to your own activewear

Sharing shoes or socks with a person who has a fungal infection can transmit the condition to you. It's best to only use your own activewear when exercising or moving around, just to stay on the safe side.

5. Clean your feet daily

If you do pick up any contaminants on your feet, regular cleaning can protect you from developing a full-blown case of athlete's foot. 

Scrub between your toes each day, making sure to completely clean the cracks and crannies around your nails. For best results, let your feet dry completely before putting on shoes or socks.

If you need assistance to deal with a stubborn case of athlete's foot, get in touch with us at Town Center Foot & Ankle today. We can diagnose your infection and recommend effective therapies and treatments to relieve your discomfort. 

You can schedule an initial consultation by calling our office in either Kingwood or Atascocita, Texas, or use our online tool to request an appointment.