What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, especially between the toes. Despite the name, it’s not just athletes who suffer from it! The warm, moist environment of feet enclosed in shoes for too long is perfect for fungi to proliferate.
The main symptoms are:
- Intense itching between fingers
- Peeling or cracking of the skin
- Bad smell
- Burning and redness
The good news is that athlete’s foot can be prevented with simple daily care, and that’s what we’re going to talk about now.
🧽 Always keep your feet clean and dry
Moisture is the fuel for fungus. Drying your feet thoroughly (including between the toes) after showering is the first step to avoiding infection.
Simple tips:
- Wash your feet thoroughly with neutral soap.
- Dry with a clean towel, paying attention to the spaces between your toes.
- Avoid walking with wet feet, even indoors.
👟 Wear suitable, breathable shoes
Closed and stuffy shoes, such as sneakers worn all day, create an ideal environment for fungus.
Prefer:
- Shoes that allow ventilation
- Cotton socks (change every day)
- Washable or breathable insoles
Avoid:
- Wearing the same shoes two days in a row without ventilation
- Damp or synthetic socks
🩴 Wear slippers in public places
Swimming pools, changing rooms and shared showers are risk zones. In these places, wear flip-flops to avoid direct contact with the wet floor.
🧼 Don’t share personal items
Towels, socks, shoes or nail clippers are objects that should be for personal use. Sharing can pass fungus from one person to another.
Items that should not be shared:
- Bath towels
- Socks or shoes
- Foot files
- Pliers and nail clippers
💊 Treat the first signs immediately
Have you noticed peeling, itching or redness? The sooner you treat it, the easier it is to resolve. Pharmacy antifungal creams are usually effective in the early stages.
If it persists, see a dermatologist.
🍃 Bonus tip: take care of your immunity
Fungi take advantage of a weak immune system. Healthy eating, good hydration, good sleep and exercise help your body fight infections naturally.
Then do this
To prevent athlete’s foot, you don’t need to be an athlete – you just need to be smart. Dry your feet well, wear suitable footwear, avoid sharing objects and keep an eye out for the signs.
👉 Share it with someone who lives in sneakers or loves going to the gym – this tip could save a lot of feet out there!
Recommended products
