How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

If you’ve never had athlete’s foot, consider yourself lucky. It causes itchiness and a scaly rash. You may feel a burning or stinging sensation. 

Although you can get athlete’s foot at any time of year, it’s especially common in the summer, when you’re more likely to be barefoot in places where the conditions are just right for the fungus that causes it. 

At Arlington Foot and Ankle Centers in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, our podiatrists understand the discomfort that can accompany a case of athlete’s foot. We provide treatment when at-home approaches just aren’t enough. But, we think it’s best to avoid athlete’s foot altogether, and have put together this list of tips to help you do just that.

Before we get to the tips, let’s talk about what athlete’s foot is and how it spreads. 

Athlete’s foot basics

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, and anyone can contract it. The most common way to acquire it is by walking barefoot in a warm, moist environment. Pool decks and locker rooms are good examples of the kind of place the fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives. 

It’s also possible to get athlete’s foot if your feet tend to stay sweaty. If you wear tight socks, get sweaty feet, and your socks stay damp, you may get athlete’s foot. 

When you have athlete’s foot, you usually get an itchy rash. Most of the time, it begins between your toes and spreads to the soles of your feet. It can also cause scaliness, small, red blisters, and discolored toenails that pull away from your nail bed. 

Preventing athlete’s foot

Treatments for athlete’s foot are available, but we believe prevention is the best strategy. Here are a few things you can do to avoid contracting athlete’s foot: 

Clean your feet

Washing your feet with soap and warm water at least once a day helps keep them healthy. After thoroughly washing your feet, dry them carefully, and pay special attention to the skin between your toes. 

Wear shoes

If you’re in a public place, like a locker room, in a hotel, or at a pool, wear sandals or flip flops, or some other kind of shoe. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot lives on floors, so protecting your feet is a good idea. 

Stay dry

If you’re prone to sweaty feet, be sure to wear socks made of a natural fabric or one that wicks moisture away from your skin. Shoes that are ventilated and fit properly help too. 

You should get shoes made of canvas, mesh, or another breathable fabric so that they can dry quickly. Another helpful tactic is to have more than one pair, so you can alternate each day and give them plenty of time to dry between wears. 

If you find yourself in a situation where your feet are wet, change your socks and shoes as quickly as possible. 

No sharing

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can be passed from person to person. If you live with someone who has athlete’s foot, avoid sharing towels, linens, shoes, and socks with them. You should also wear shoes at home. 

Get help

These tips should help you avoid contracting athlete’s foot. However, if your feet are itchy or you have reason to suspect you have athlete’s foot, we can help. Schedule an appointment at either of Arlington Foot and Ankle Center's locations.