Athlete's Foot (cont.)
How can I prevent future infections?
Since some people are simply more prone to fungal infections, they are also prone to repeated infection. Preventive measures include keeping your feet clean and dry, avoiding prolonged moist environments, removing shoes and allowing the feet skin to "breathe," avoiding walking barefoot, especially in public areas like swimming pools and gyms, avoiding contact with known infected people, and avoiding soaking and contaminated tool usage at nail salons. Disinfecting old shoes and periodic weekly or monthly sprinkling of antifungal foot powder (Pedi-Dry Foot Powder) into shoes can also be helpful.
It is imperative to take your own nail instruments, including nail files, to any public nail salon, unless you know the salon practices strict instrument sterilization and/or uses all disposable supplies.
Use cotton socks whenever possible. Avoid walking in airports and public areas with bare feet. Make sure any affected family members also treat their athlete's foot at the same time to avoid cross-infections.
- Athlete's foot may cause foot itching, burning, pain, and
scaling.
- Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus and is treated
with antifungal medications, many of which are available over the counter.
- Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and
breathable shoes can help prevent athlete's foot.
For further information about athlete's foot,
please visit the following site: APMA: Athlete Foot.
Previous contributing author: Dennis Lee, MD
Last Editorial Review: 6/25/2008
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