6 Tips To Help Prevent Athlete’s Foot this Summer

When it’s warmer outside, some people go without socks even though they were actually designed for protection. Socks can shield you from problems like athlete’s foot, which is a chronic infection caused by fungus. Want to know how to protect your feet from this condition? Read on for tips from Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry.

1. Don’t walk barefoot in public. The more time you spend walking barefoot, the more time fungus has to collect on your feet. Swimming pool changing areas, locker rooms, or any place that has a combination of a lot of foot traffic and dampness is a breeding ground for athlete’s foot. Be sure to wear sandals in these areas to prevent infection.

2. While at home, let your feet breathe. Feet typically perspire after a long day of being inside shoes and socks. If your shoes and socks are wet, let them dry before you put them back on. Take some time to put your feet up, relax, and let them air out.

3. Wash and dry your feet each day. It’s incredibly important to wash and dry your feet on a daily basis, using the same amount of care that you do with the rest of your body. Use soap, rinse and repeat, then dry them with a towel that is used only by you.

4. Change shoes and socks on a consistent basis.  The fungus grows when the environment provides it with warmth, darkness, and moisture, making wet shoes and socks the perfect home. Change your shoes and socks regularly to prevent the fungus from growing.

5. Make it a habit of practicing proper foot care. It almost doesn’t need to be said, but make sure to practice proper foot hygiene and maintain your skin and nails. Toenails that are too long can leave additional room for fungus to grow. Using a pumice stone on the skin on your feet is also important because removing dead skin cells also stops anything from growing.

6. Use deodorant. Spray-on antiperspirants are typically used on feet to prevent sweating. It can be an effective way to keep your feet fresh and dry and will decrease your chances of odor that may lead to athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is very common and up to 25% of people will have to deal with the condition in their lives. If you’re experiencing symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry/Three Village Podiatry today.

You can reach Three Village Podiatry at (631) 474-3338, North Fork Podiatry (Southold) at (631) 765-6777 or North Fork Podiatry (Riverhead) at (631) 419-7107 today or schedule your appointment online.