Follow these helpful tips if you want to avoid dreaded athlete’s foot.
Nothing can put a damper on summer like athlete’s foot. Of course, with flip-flops being standard footwear during the warmer months you are putting your feet at an increased risk for athlete’s foot. Our Reston, Manassas and Leesburg, VA, podiatrists offer up some helpful hints for how to keep your feet healthy and athlete foot-free all summer long.
There are a lot of myths surrounding athlete’s foot. You may think that only athletes get this condition or that only people with bad hygiene come down with this foot problems, but these are just myths. Fungus is all around us and they love warm, dark areas. This means that your gym’s locker room and shower, as well as your local pool could be teeming with fungus just waiting to attack.
So, what can you do?
Wearing protective shoes that fully cover the feet is one great way to avoid athlete’s foot. Sure, it’s not the most stylish look but you’ll be happy you packed those flip-flops with you when you don’t develop a nasty bout of athlete’s foot.
It’s highly advised that you wear shoes in public areas like bathrooms, lockers rooms, gyms, saunas and even the local swimming pool, because you never know who might also have athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot can also be spread from person to person.
How do you protect yourself if someone in your household comes down with athlete’s foot? First and foremost, it’s important that they are getting proper treatment, whether from over-the-counter or prescription anti-fungal medications from our Reston, VA, foot doctors. Don’t just let a fungal infection fester, as it may only continue to spread.
To protect yourself from catching athlete’s foot make sure to never share towels, socks or shoes with an infected person. Also, make sure the tub or shower is thoroughly cleaned after the infected family member has taken a shower or bath. The same approach goes for any linens or bath mats. Make sure bath mats are thoroughly cleaned and removed from the bathroom until the infection has completely cleared.
Are you dealing with itchy, uncomfortable athlete’s foot? Looking for the proper relief to treat your summer feet? Then call Reston Foot and Ankle Center today.