Summer is in full swing, which means one thing: people spend more time outside, enjoying the warm weather. While this is great for your overall health, it can also lead to a fungal infection known as athlete’s foot. This condition can be extremely uncomfortable and challenging to treat, so taking steps to prevent it from happening in the first place is essential.
Dry skin and Athletes foot can be a pesky combination. These two conditions are different and often occur together. Dry skin will lead to cracking and fissures in the skin, which provides an easy entry point for bacteria and fungi. Conversely, an athlete’s foot can also cause dry skin by causing the skin to peel and flake.
Read more: Athlete’s Foot vs. Dry -What is the Difference Between them.
There are ways to treat and prevent both of these conditions. However, you can do a few specific things to help keep an athlete’s foot at bay.
Here are some tips for preventing athletes’ foot:
1) Avoid Thick and Tight Shoes
Thick socks and tight shoes are breeding grounds for fungus. Wear well-ventilated shoes; if the feet sweat a lot, change your socks often or wear socks made of natural fibers that wick away moisture. Wool, bamboo, and cotton are the best fibers for socks. Cotton socks treated with an antimicrobial finish are also good choices.
2) Don’t Go Barefoot in Public Places
Warm, moist environments are ideal for the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Walking barefoot in gym locker rooms, swimming pools, and other public places exposes your feet to the fungus. To protect your feet, wear shower shoes or sandals in public places.
3) Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Fungus thrives in moist conditions. Keeping your feet clean and dry is one of the best ways to prevent athlete’s foot. Be sure to wash your feet daily with soap and water. Dry your feet thoroughly, especially the spaces between your toes. You may want to consider using a hair dryer set on low to help ensure that your feet are dehydrated. You may also want to use an antifungal powder or spray on your feet to help keep them dry.
4) Don’t Share Your Towels or Shoes
When you share towels or shoes with people who have athlete’s foot, you’re increasing your chances of developing the condition. The fungus that causes an athlete’s foot lives on surfaces like towels and shoes and can be easily transferred to other people. If you must share towels or shoes with someone, wash them thoroughly after each use.
5) Look for Ways to Strengthen Your Immune System
Your immune system is your best defense against infection, including the athlete’s foot. So, it only makes sense to do everything possible to keep your immune system strong and healthy.
There are many different ways to boost your immune system, but some of the best include the following:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly
- Getting enough sleep
- Reducing stress
- Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption
By taking steps to strengthen your immune system, you’ll be better equipped to fight off infection and keep the athlete’s foot at bay. Contact Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia to treat athlete’s foot in Marietta. We will help you get your life back on track!
