An athlete’s foot is a fungal infection often occurring between the toes. It is embarrassing and uncomfortable due to the red, scaly rash caused by the fungus. The fungus is mold-like and it lives on the dead cells on the skin. The fungus thrives in warm, dark moist places like in your shoes. Fungi enter the body through tiny cracks in the skin. Athlete’s foot treatment specialists agree that preventing athlete’s foot is cheaper than athlete’s foot treatment in Houston.
Immediately you notice a rash, use over-the-counter antifungal cream that contains clotrimazole or any other antifungal medication. Most of the ointments are used twice a day for two weeks. Always wash your hands after applying the ointment, to avoid spreading.
Sprinkle antifungal powder in the socks and shoes. The fungus can grow in your footwear as you use the antifungal powder to take care of the fungus on footwear. Treating your footwear with an antifungal powder or an aerosol spray and dusting the powder directly to your feet will help prevent the fungal spread.
Use soap and water to clean your feet twice a day. If you have sweaty, dirty, or wet feet clean your feet more often. Use mild soaps for cleaning and ensure dry skin before using any antifungal medications.
Use a separate towel to dry your feet thoroughly. As you dry your feet, pay careful attention between the toes to avoid the fungus thriving. Let the feet air out before wearing shoes.
Air your feet as much as possible. Wear canvas or sandals to air the feet. Avoid wearing shoes and socks all the time, when at home air your feet.
Change your socks when they become damp. The fungus thrives on sweaty socks because of the warm, damp environment. The feet contain many sweat glands that can cause the socks to be wet. Wear cotton socks that prevent moisture buildup and allow the feet to breathe. In warm weather, avoid socks and stick to wearing sandals whenever possible.
Alternate pairs of shoes. Wear one pair of shoes one day and change the shoes the next day. It gives shoes time to dry before being worn again. Avoid shoes with synthetic or rubber materials that trap moisture and can make the feet overheat.
Wear flip-flops in public showers to prevent infections. Foot fungus can be picked from contaminated surfaces. Do not walk barefoot around public showers, pools, and even public locker toms.
Do not share footwear with others. The foot fungus can linger in footwear for long and you can get infected from someone else’s footwear. If you have an infected person, do not share bed linens and towels. If you recently got cured of an athlete’s foot, clean all the things that came into contact with your feet to avoid reinfection or infecting others.
Shower after a rigorous exercise or sports. If you are in contact sports or working out in a public gym, you might come into contact with the fungus without knowing. Pay special attention to your feet.
Athlete’s foot is a bothersome condition that can be quickly alleviated with the right care. Contact our podiatrist at DeNiel Foot and Ankle Center if you have any concerns regarding your feet and ankles. Your foot and ankle needs will be met by our doctors.
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