Roughly fifteen to twenty-five percent of people at any given period of time have Athlete’s foot. However the prevention of this fungal infection can be accomplished by changing your socks regularly. Many people opt to wear sandals to avoid the possibility of contracting Athlete’s foot altogether. Unfortunately wearing sandals becomes difficult during the colder winter months, making the wearing and changing of socks essential to prevent fungal infection.
Regularly changing socks can also prevent unpleasant foot odor. According to the U.K.’s National Health Service, changing into a clean pair of socks at least once a day can help prevent bothersome foot odor. The material of the socks is also relevant; when compared to fabrics such as cotton, polyester and other synthetic materials are more likely to house fungus-causing bacteria.
The prevention of Athlete’s foot relies heavily on the need to maintain proper hygiene. For more information about the condition, see Dr. Zahid Ladha of Foot First Podiatry. Dr. Ladha will attend to all of your foot and ankle needs.
Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story
If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.
Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.
What is Tinea?
- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.
For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in New Albany, IN. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
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