by Isaac Zefo | Jun 29, 2024 | Healthy Living

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

As the summer heat and humidity ramps up, the risk of developing athlete’s foot increases substantially, especially if your summer plans include plenty of public pool time. The annoying fungal infection thrives in warm, damp environments like public showers, pools, and sweaty shoes and socks. Don’t let this itchy nuisance ruin your summer – take some simple precautions to keep your feet healthy.

What Exactly Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that causes an itchy, red rash to develop on the feet, especially between the toes. It can spread to the soles and sides of the feet if left untreated. The fungus that causes it is part of a group called dermatophytes that thrive on the dead tissues of skin, hair, and nails.
The fungus enters through tiny cuts or cracks in the skin, often when walking barefoot in warm, moist areas where the fungus is present. Once the fungus takes hold, the feet provide the ideal dark, sweaty environment for it to multiply rapidly.

Why Summer Increases Athlete’s Foot Risk

Several factors make athlete’s foot more likely to develop or spread in the summer months:

• Hot Weather Means Sweatier Feet & Damp Socks/Shoes: The summer heat causes feet to perspire more, creating moisture that allows the fungus to thrive inside socks and shoes.
• Increased Barefoot Activity: People spend more time walking barefoot around pools, in locker rooms, at the beach, etc. This increases exposure to fungi living on these surfaces.
• Non-Breathable Footwear: In summer, people often wear plastic/rubber sandals or water shoes that don’t allow airflow and trap moisture around the feet.
• Minor Skin Injuries: Activities like hiking can cause minor cuts or skin cracks that fungus can enter through.
• An estimated 70% of athlete’s foot cases occur during the summer months for these reasons. However, there are simple prevention strategies that are very effective.

Top Athlete’s Foot Prevention Tips

1. Keep Feet Clean & Dry: Wash feet daily with soap and water, thoroughly drying between the toes. Use a hair dryer at a cool setting if needed.
2. Choose Breathable Footwear: Wear sandals, water shoes, and sneakers made of breathable materials like leather or mesh. Avoid vinyl or plastic shoes that don’t allow airflow.
3. Use Foot Powder/Spray: Applying powder or antifungal spray to feet and inside shoes can help absorb moisture and kill fungus.
4. Wear Shower Shoes: Always wear flip-flops or other waterproof shoes when walking in public pools, showers, and locker rooms.
5. Don’t Share: Never share towels, socks, or footwear as this can spread fungi between people.
6. Treat Early: At the first sign of itching, redness, or scaling between toes, use an over-the-counter antifungal cream and get it treated promptly.
7. Replace Old Shoes: Fungi can remain in the materials of old shoes. Replace well-worn shoes annually.
8. Use Socks Strategically: Cotton and wool socks absorb sweat and stay damp. Synthetic moisture-wicking socks help keep feet drier. Change socks when damp.

Be Proactive to Avoid the Misery

While athlete’s foot may seem like just a minor annoyance, it can actually become quite miserable. The itching and burning can become severe, and excessive scratching can lead to skin cracking that can lead to bacterial infections. Blisters and ulcers may also develop in more advanced stages.

The good news is that following some basic preventative measures, especially during the summer months, can go a long way in avoiding this unsightly and uncomfortable fungal infection. If you think you may have athlete’s foot, stop by AFC Urgent Care South Charlotte where we can help put your mind at ease. Stay vigilant about keeping your feet clean, dry, and protected, so you can enjoy all your summer activities without the nuisance of athlete’s foot!