Athlete's foot prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[2]

• The fungi that cause athlete’s foot can live on shower floors, wet towels, and footwear.
• Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus and can spread from person to person from shared contact with showers, towels, etc.
• Hygiene therefore plays an important role in managing an athlete’s foot infection.
• Since fungi thrive in moist environments, it is very important to keep feet and footwear as dry as possible.

• The fungi that cause athlete’s foot live on moist surfaces and can be transmitted from an infected person to members of the same household through secondary contact.^[1]
• By controlling the fungus growth in the household, transmission of the infection can be prevented.

• Spray tub and bathroom floor with disinfectant after each use to help prevent reinfection and infection of other household members.

• Wash sheets, towels, socks, underwear, and bedclothes in hot water (at 60 °C / 140 °F) to kill the fungus.
• Change towels and bed sheets at least once per week.

• Avoid sharing of towels, shoes and socks between household members.
• Use a separate towel for drying infected skin areas.

• Wear shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms, public showers, and public baths.
• Wash feet, particularly between the toes, with soap and dry thoroughly after bathing or showering.
• If you have experienced an infection previously, you may want to treat your feet and shoes with over-the-counter drugs.

• Dry feet well after showering, paying particular attention to the web space between the toes.
• Try to limit the amount that your feet sweat by wearing open-toed shoes or well-ventilated shoes, such as lightweight mesh running shoes.
• Wear lightweight cotton socks to help reduce sweat. These must be washed in hot water and/or bleached to avoid reinfection.
• New light weight, moisture wicking polyester socks, especially those with anti-microbial properties, may be a better choice.
• Use foot powder to help reduce moisture and friction. Some foot powders also include an anti-fungal ingredient.
• Wear open-toed shoes or simply light-weight socks without shoes when at home.
• Keep shoes dry by wearing a different pair each day.
• Change socks and shoes after exercise.
• Replace sole inserts in shoes/sneakers on a frequent basis.
• Replace old sneakers and exercise shoes.
• To prevent jock itch: When getting dressed, put on socks before underwear.
• After any physical activity shower with a soap that has both an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent in it.

Template:WH Template:WS