Athlete’s Foot

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

The main cause of athlete’s foot is wearing damp, sweaty, and tight-fitting socks and shoes. This warm, dark, and moist environment is the ideal environment for all types of fungi that can cause athlete’s foot.

The fungi can also spread through contact with infected surfaces. Walking barefoot in public facilities such as showers, pool decks, or swimming pools puts you at higher risk of contracting athlete’s foot. Sharing linens, towels, shoes, and clothes can also spread the fungus.

Tips to Help Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is easy to prevent by practicing good foot hygiene. You can prevent fungal infections by practicing the following:

• Wash your feet daily with soap and water then dry carefully, especially between the toes
• Avoid walking barefoot
• Use shower shoes or flip flops in public showers
• Use talcum powder or foot deodorant to reduce perspiration
• Wear breathable shoes
• Change shoes and socks regularly to decrease moisture
• Wear moisture wicking socks and change them frequently if you perspire heavily

The Transmission of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact. You can contract the fungal infection by contact with contaminated items such as clothes, towels, socks, shoes, rugs, etc., and direct contact with surfaces such as bathrooms, showers, or locker room floors. One way to contract athlete’s foot is to get an infection somewhere else on the body and then it may spread by touching or scratching the affected area causing it to spread.

Treating Athlete’s Foot at Home

Fortunately, most cases of athlete’s foot can be resolved through a combination of topical medications and good hygiene.

Non-prescription topical antifungals are widely available in most pharmacies. Make sure you follow the full treatment course as directed—usually daily or twice daily for 30 days— even if symptoms clear up earlier.

At the same time, develop good foot hygiene habits:

• Wash your feet every day with mild soap and water.
• Keep feet dry by wearing well ventilated socks and shoes, going barefoot at home (if it is safe for you to do so), and always drying feet thoroughly after bathing.
• Change socks regularly—at least daily, or more often if your feet get sweaty.
• Rotate shoes so you aren’t wearing the same pair two days in a row.
• Avoid going barefoot in public locations.
• Avoid sharing clothes, shoes, or linens with others