An athlete’s foot is a common infection that affects the feet. It is caused by a fungus thriving in warm, moist environments. You can use over-the-counter sprays and creams to treat athlete’s foot.
Read more: How To Get Rid of Athlete’s Foot?
Many may wonder if they should wear socks to bed with athletes’ feet. We will explain the symptoms and causes of an athlete’s foot and the benefits of wearing socks to bed.
What Is Athlete’s Foot and How Does It Occur?
An athlete’s foot sometimes referred to as tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that occurs on the feet. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and often live on damp surfaces like shower floors or locker rooms. When people walk barefoot in these areas, the fungi can spread to their feet and cause an infection.
Scaly, itchy patches on the skin between the toes or the soles of the feet characterize an athlete’s foot. The condition can also cause blisters and sores that may ooze fluid. It is usually very uncomfortable and can be painful and itchy. Athletes’ foot is easily spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or skin-to-skin contact with someone infected.
Why Should You Wear Socks To Bed With Athlete’s Foot?
An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet caused by various fungi, usually Trichophyton rubrum or T. mentagrophytes. It can cause itchiness, redness, cracking and peeling skin, blisters, and ulcers.
Wearing socks to bed can help prevent the spread of an athlete’s foot. The fabric helps keep your feet dry, which prevents the fungus from growing. Keeping your feet dry also helps reduce itchiness and discomfort caused by an athlete’s foot. The moisture-wicking fabric also helps protect against further irritation or infection.
Things To Remember
You should remember a few things when deciding whether to wear socks to bed with an athlete’s foot.
1) Choose the Right Pair of Socks
A fungus causes an athlete’s foot, and the warm, damp environment of your feet in socks can cause it to spread. Choose a pair of breathable socks made from natural fibers like cotton or wool to minimize the risk of infection. Avoid synthetic materials as they trap moisture and create an ideal breeding ground for fungal growth.
2) Keep Your Feet Clean
Before wearing socks to bed, ensure your feet are clean and dry. Wash your feet with mild soap and water and thoroughly dry them, especially between the toes. You should also wear clean socks every day. Change them daily.
3) Wear Shoes Indoors
Ideally, you should always wear shoes indoors to reduce the risk of an athlete’s foot infection. Shoes protect your feet from picking up fungi on the floor or other surfaces, and wearing socks to bed is not a substitute for shoes.
4) Seek Medical Advice
If you suspect you have an athlete’s foot, contact your doctor immediately for treatment. If left untreated, it may spread to other parts of your body and cause serious health problems. Call the Advanced Foot and Ankle Institute of Georgia for the best treatment of athlete’s foot in Marietta.
