With athlete’s foot, there’s no best foot to put forward. This fungal infection is not a pretty one — it’s itchy and smelly, and it leaves the skin on your feet cracked and flaky.
A better way to keep your feet beautiful and healthy is by keeping athlete’s foot from striking. While treating this unsightly foot condition can be a challenging one, preventing it from happening is actually quite easy. However, you have to make sure that you are willing to do your best in shielding yourself from it most especially when those blistering summer days strike because your feet will surely be warmer and moister than before, serving as the perfect playground for fungi!
Without further ado, here are some smart tips and tricks on keeping athlete’s foot from stepping into the scene:
Refrain From Being Barefoot in Public Places
Don’t assume that the floors of public places are as clean as the floors in your abode. Putting on flip-flops, sandals and others when you’re inside hotel rooms, gym lockers, public showers and other similar areas is the smartest thing to do if you don’t want to end up with athlete’s foot.
Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Just like what’s mentioned earlier, fungi loves to thrive in warm and moist places. This is exactly the reason why it makes perfect sense for you to keep your feet dry all the time — after showering, swimming or working out, and before putting on your shoes. See to it that the places between your toes are completely clean and dry all the time.
Let Your Feet Breathe by Putting on Appropriate Footwear
Sandals are some of the best footwear around when it comes to preventing athlete’s foot. If putting on sandals is not an option, opt for shoes that permit your feet to breathe. Needless to say, you should steer clear of wearing footwear out of synthetic materials such as rubber and plastic as air won’t be able to go past them.
Allow Your Shoes to Air-Dry for About a Day
Try not to wear the same pair of shoes daily. A very easy way to ward off athlete’s foot is by alternating your shoes in order to allow the pair that you have just worn to air-dry completely. It’s a good idea to permit your shoes to vent and dry for at least 24 hours before wearing them again.
Put on Moisture-Absorbing Socks
Wearing socks is one of the simplest steps that you may take to save your feet from the clutches of athlete’s foot-causing fungi. However, don’t go for just about any pair of socks. The best socks to wear are those that are out of natural materials or fibers such as cotton. These days, it’s easy to get your hands on moisture-wicking socks.
Never Use the Items of Someone with Athlete’s Foot
Living with a loved one or friend with this gross fungal infection? Then refrain from sharing towels, linens, socks, shoes, sandals and others with the person. That’s because athlete’s foot is potentially contagious. Additionally, just like what’s already tackled before, remember to wear flip-flop or slippers indoors.
Dust Talcum Powder on Your Feet
Applying talcum powder on your thoroughly-dried feet before putting on your socks and shoes can help in lowering your chances of ending up with athlete’s foot. Getting your hands on antifungal powder is also an easy task. Want something that’s more all-natural? Apply baking soda on your feet.
Wash Your Towels and Socks in Hot Water
Warm soapy water may not be enough to zap fungi lurking in your towels, socks and others. To ensure that those athlete’s foot-causing microbes won’t survive, launder your items in hot water. Using bleach, too, is definitely a wise move as it will increase the chances of having those fungi killed.
