Do’s and Don’ts for Avoiding Fungal Infections

You know the symptoms—dry skin that itches and burns, especially between the toes—it’s likely a case of athlete’s foot or another fungal infection. At NY Foot Health we want patients to be aware that the cooler weather increases certain risk factors for fungal infections. Below are some do’s and don’ts for avoiding this common podiatric ailment.

Do: change your socks whenever your feet feel damp. It’s not unusual with closed toe shoes and the heat going on that your feet might sweat more than they do in the summer months. If you know that you have feet that tend to sweat profusely, keep extra socks in your bag or desk. Dust your feet with powder in the morning to help them stay dry.

Don’t: share emery boards, towels, socks, sneakers, nail clippers or any other items that have been used on the feet of another person. Fungal infections are shared through direct contact.

Do: wear flip-flops or shower shoes in the gym locker room and shower, at the nail salon and any other public place where people tend to walk barefoot.

Do: check that your nail salon follows safe practices for sterilizing foot baths and nail tools, and be sure there is a certificate from the state health department on display testifying that they have passed inspection.

Don’t: wear the same pair of shoes over and over. It’s best if shoes have at least 24 hours to air out between wearing’s.

Do: look for thick, absorbent socks or those made of material that wick moisture away from the skin.

Don’t: wear shoes made of vinyl or plastic that don’t allow feet to breathe. Choose natural materials like leather and canvas and styles that allow air to circulate.

Don’t: put off getting a suspected fungal infection evaluated by your podiatrist. Don’t have a podiatrist? Use our online directory to find one in your area. Left untreated, fungal infections can worsen and spread to other parts of your body or other family members.

To learn more about preventing common foot disorders, contact us.