Hygiene and Athlete’s Foot

Some people think that it is impossible to get Athlete’s Foot if you have clean feet. This is not true. The Athlete’s Foot infection is cause by a fungus, a bit like a mold. The fungus multiplies more easily in warm, damp, dark conditions so if your feet are constantly in tight shoes, sweaty, walking through communal shower areas etc then you are more prone to it.

The infection can cause itching, pain, skin flaking, blistering and so on. Occasionally it can lead to more serious infections. Athlete’s Foot can be treated easily in the early stages but does get more difficult as symptoms worsen. It is therefore vital to try not to let the fungi multiply and good hygiene is one step towards this.

With this 8 point step to good foot hygiene you should minimize the risk of catching the Athlete’s Foot infection:

1. Keep your feet clean. Might sound obvious but it’s a good start.

2. Keep your feet dry. Possibly even more important than (1). You can use talcum powder to help keep them dry for longer. Never put shoes or socks on damp feet.

3. Think about your shoes. Try not to wear shoes that make your feet sweat.

4. Wear socks made of natural fibres. Or better still, ones that wick moisture away from the feet.

5. Wash your towels frequently and on a hot wash, preferably after each use. This helps kill the parasites.

6. If you suffer frequently from Athlete’s Foot, also wash your bedding at least once a week on a hot wash.

7. Use shower sandals or flip flops when you are in changing rooms, poolside or a communal shower area.

8. Once a week, add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bath or a foot soak. Tea tree oil has anti fungal properties.

Of course there are other preventative measures you can take and there are many products out there which claim to help cure or prevent Athlete’s Foot, from herbal supplements to wooden insoles for shoes. Many of them do actually have some benefit but the important thing is to use your common sense and do some research before you part with large sums of money. If you do get recurrent problems with the infection and follow the points above, then see your doctor who may wish to do further tests. Remember, Athlete’s Foot is rarely serious if it is treated in the early stages so if you do suspect you are infected, then get treatment straight away.

Copyright 2009