How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot is a fungal infection, also known as Tinea Pedis. It is highly contagious and can be transmitted by direct person to person contact or by indirect contact. It can be very unpleasant but unless there are complications it is not serious.

If you are susceptible to Athlete’s Foot then you may want to think about some preventative measures to try and stop you getting the infection or prevent it spreading. Here are some of the most important.

1. Washing

It is really important to make sure you wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water on a regular basis, especially after sport or activities that make your feet sweat. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching your feet.

2. Drying

Make sure you dry your feet thoroughly after washing, as fungi and bacteria like moist environments. Use talcum powder on your feet to help keep them dry. Make sure your feet are completely dry before you put your socks on.

3. Laundry

Athlete’s Foot can be transferred through shared towels, bedlinen etc. Make sure you wash your towels on a hot wash after use, and change and wash your bedlinen at least once a week. This can help prevent the spread of the infection.

4. Footwear

Try not to wear tight fitting shoes, especially in the summer, as these make your feet sweat more. If you do have to wear them, wash and dry your feet afterwards. Socks should be changed at least every day and washed on as hot a wash as possible. Cotton socks are better than synthetic fabrics as they help your feet breathe, making the environment less favorable to the parasites which cause the infection.

5. Protection

If you use locker rooms, pools, bath houses etc then be aware that Athlete’s Foot is easily transmitted in such environments. Use plastic sandals or flip flops if you can, while you are in the showers or changing rooms. Make sure you wash the footwear afterwards.

These are the five most important things to help prevent the spread of Athlete’s Foot. There are also products such as anti fungal soaps which may be a good idea if you are prone to getting the infection as they may provide some protection. Also, try to keep your immune system as high as you can with a good, varied diet, exercise and enough sleep. The stronger your immune system is, the less likely you are to catch the infection.

Copyright 2009