To prevent foot fungus, such as athlete's foot, follow these expert- recommended steps:
- Keep feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily with soap and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes, to remove moisture that fungi thrive on
- Wear breathable footwear: Choose shoes made of natural materials like leather, canvas, cotton, or wool, or synthetic fibers designed to wick moisture away. Avoid shoes made of vinyl or rubber that trap sweat
- Change socks regularly: Change socks at least once a day, or more often if your feet sweat a lot, to keep feet dry and reduce fungal growth
- Alternate shoes daily: Don’t wear the same pair every day so shoes have time to dry out completely
- Use antifungal powders: Apply antifungal powder or talcum powder daily to keep feet dry and inhibit fungal growth
- Protect feet in public places: Wear waterproof sandals, flip-flops, or shower shoes in communal areas like pools, gyms, locker rooms, and hotel rooms to avoid contact with fungi on floors
- Avoid sharing footwear or towels: Sharing shoes, socks, or towels can spread fungal infections
- Let feet air out: When at home, go barefoot or wear sandals to allow feet to breathe and reduce moisture
- Trim toenails: Keep toenails trimmed to reduce places where fungi can grow
- Practice good hygiene: Wash socks, towels, and bed linens in hot water to kill fungi
By consistently applying these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of developing foot fungus
