Fungal infections are no fun, but there are ways to prevent them. Learn more from your Salem podiatrists.
Are you someone who just loves to go barefoot, especially in the summer? If so, then you may find yourself dealing with athlete’s foot way more than you would have hoped. Luckily, there are simple steps you can take to prevent this fungal infection from affecting you. Our Salem, OR, podiatrists, Dr. James Lisle and Dr. Lee Poston, are here to shed some light on preventing athlete’s foot.
Don’t Forget Footwear
Whether you are traipsing around the local pool or you are getting ready to take a shower in your hotel room, if you want to keep you feet protected from athlete’s foot, you better bring your “shower shoes” with you. Wearing flip-flops or sandals in places where fungus often thrives is a good way to keep your feet safe.
Keep Feet Dry
Did you know that fungus loves living in warm, damp areas? So it shouldn’t come as much of a shock that it’s important to keep feet as dry as possible. Whether it’s a warm summer day or you just have excessively sweaty feet, take the necessary precautions to keep them as dry as possible. Take off your shoes more often to let your feet breathe or place an antifungal powder in your shoes to help wick away sweat.
Opt for More Breathable Footwear
Regardless of whether you suffer from sweaty feet or not, you should always wear socks that allow your skin to breathe and can also wick away moisture. Shop around for different athletic socks or shoes that are made from synthetic fabrics (e.g. nylon), which often offer great moisture-wicking properties.
Swap Your Shoes
While it might be easier to just wear the same shoes day in and day out, this is one way to increase the likelihood of athlete’s foot. Whether feet get sweaty or not, shoes need time to air out completely. Once you are done wearing your shoes for the day, sprinkle some antifungal powder inside of them (or baking soda, if that’s what you have handy) and let them dry for a full 24 hours before putting them back on.
Cascade Foot Center in Salem, OR, prides itself on providing the very best in foot care. No matter whether you are dealing with persistent athlete’s foot or foot pain, we offer compassionate, trustworthy care you can depend on time-and-time again.