Athlete's foot prevention
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
- 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.
Prevention
Prevention Measures in the Home
- 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.
Bathroom Hygiene
- Spray tub and bathroom floor with disinfectant after each use to help prevent reinfection and infection of other household members.
Frequent Laundering
- 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
- Avoid sharing of towels, shoes and socks between household members.
- Use a separate towel for drying infected skin areas.
Prevention Measures in Public Places
- 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.
Personal Prevention Measures
- 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.
References
- ↑ Robert Preidt (September 29, 2006). "Athlete's Foot, Toe Fungus a Family Affair" (Reprint at USA Today). HealthDay News. Retrieved 2007-10-10.
Researchers used advanced molecular biology techniques to test the members of 57 families and concluded that toenail fungus and athlete's foot can infect people living in the same household.