Summer and bare feet may seem like the idyllic duo, but going sans shoes increases your risk of contracting athlete’s foot. This annoying fungus lies in wait for you in wet grass, alongside the pool, and even in your favorite worn-out, sweaty shoes.
And no matter what you may have heard, this malady is not just a common ailment for athletes. It can pop up on anyone’s feet, especially if you don’t take the necessary steps to prevent it. And yes, that includes the breeding grounds of summer.
The compassionate medical team at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center serve the feet that live and play throughout Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Evergreen, & Granby, CO. We want you to enjoy the summer, and your bare feet, while taking these simple precautions to ward off athlete’s foot.
We know that doesn’t sound like much fun, but the simplest way to avoid athlete’s foot is to wear shoes in damp, dark environments. The fungus that breeds athlete’s foot thrives in damp environments, especially areas that don’t get much sunlight.
This can be locker rooms, public showers, beneath wet grass, around pool areas, and anywhere else where the conditions are amenable. Protect yourself very easily by wearing shoes, or even flip flops.
Since athlete’s foot thrives in moisture, do all you can to keep your feet dry. This means quickly toweling off after you climb from the pool, finish your shower, or leave any other wet place you’ve been with exposed feet.
Don’t just count on air drying your feet. The fungus loves to get in between your toes, which is the last place that dries. Tickle that towel between your toes to ensure they get dry.
Damp towels that are shared by a few people, and even towels you save to reuse for yourself, can spread the fungus that causes athlete’s foot to you and others. Always use dry, clean towels and hang them up in the sun after you use them, or throw them into the laundry before the next use.
If you’re prone to athlete’s foot or want to do all you can to prevent it, bring along some antifungal powder. After emerging from the water and drying off, sprinkle a bit of this powder onto your feet and rub it in to keep nasty fungi at bay. You can find these powders at any pharmacy and they’re sold over the counter.
Athlete’s foot spreads far too easily, even to your own hands. Be sure to keep your hands clean and dry to discourage the fungus from settling into your upper extremities. If you do have a confirmed case of athlete’s foot, be especially vigilant. Avoid touching your feet as much as possible and wash your hands anytime it is necessary.
Whether you’re playing sports or just going for a marathon shopping stint, stow an extra pair of dry socks so you can swap out your sweaty, damp ones for a clean, dry pair. Athletic socks are prime hosts for the fungus, so be sure that you always have a dry replacement pair and wash all your socks after each use.
If you think you may have athlete’s foot, or want to know more about this contagious fungal infection, call one of our Colorado offices or use the handy booking tool for each of our four locations.
