Athlete’s Foot Prevention

February 20, 2009 by  
Filed under Athletics Foot

An extremely busy lifestyle does not need an additional burden like athlete’s foot. Ways and means to find cure to athlete’s foot are plenty but in the end, the real key to curing athlete’s foot infection lies with good personal hygiene. Prevention measures starts with our manner of doing things. An easy prey is always the one who does not know what to do or not to do, so here’s a few ways to remember that could keep athlete’s foot fungus at bay.

Athlete’s foot fungus thrives in the different parts of a household, especially in areas which are dark and moist. Thus, spraying with disinfectant the tub or the bathroom floor helps minimize the risk of catching or reinforcing an athlete’s foot. Changing the sheets, socks, underwear and towels at least once a week lessens the chances of breeding fungus. Sharing towels and other personal items like shoes and socks should also be avoided so as not to help spread the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. Already infected areas should be dried separately with another towel to limit the area of infection.

On the other hand, prevention measures are even more necessary when frequenting public places like locker rooms, public baths or swimming pools. Just the mere act of walking on the floor barefoot is enough to catch a bad athlete’s foot. Thus, shower shoes and sandals or clogs are must-haves when using public places to prevent acquiring athlete’s foot fungus from the floor. A thorough washing of feet, and drying thereafter, must be made a regular habit in order to prevent catching it or worsening an already existing fungal problem.

Make sure that special attention be given to the spaces between the toes where fungus loves to hide and stay for some time. A dry foot can also be achieved by having or changing into the right pair of socks or by putting on some old and stinky shoes. More prone individuals who are always engaged in physical activities, like teenagers and athletes, need to use antibacterial and anti-fungal soap all in one.

Wearing the right shoes and sock is also very important in thwarting fungus. Busy schedules would usually give us less time to dry our foot before putting on socks and shoes. Well-ventilated shoes and socks that are made out of materials like cotton or wool that absorb moisture are needed for people whose feet perspire and stink. Socks made out of nylon should be avoided because it traps the moisture and, thus, prevents natural ventilation. Especially for teens or very busy individuals who go home tired and worn out, it is likewise important to take off the shoe and socks when going to bed.

Athlete’s foot prevention measures are not only helpful in averting athlete’s foot symptoms, but is also useful in managing infection and, ultimately, in curing it. For example, itchy toes should not be scratched because it is likely to cause a more serious bacterial infection. The simple thing to remember in the prevention of catching fungus is basically the maintenance of a healthy and clean environment.