Warm Weather Means Sweaty Feet: Preventing Athlete’s Foot
Summer is finally here! The days are longer, the air smells crispier and the weather is warmer. Now is the time to walk more and enjoy the outdoors! Warm weather means sweaty feet. However increased foot activity also exposes you to one of the most common foot problems, athlete’s foot. If it is caught early, it can be treated successfully very quickly with topical antifungals, but if it is neglected, it can lead to pain and discomfort in your feet.
The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is knows as tinea pedis. It causes dry, itchy, and red skin in between your toes and around your feet. The fungus loves warm, dark, and humid environments, like in your socks and shoes. It can also spread easily by direct contact with contaminated surfaces such as yoga mats, floors, and gym showers. In many cases fungal skin infections will spread to the toenails, making the management of fungal foot infections more challenging.
If your skin looks a bit dry, flaky, and red, and does not respond to the usual moisturises, I encourage you to book an appointment with one of our podiatrists. At Medipod Clinics, all our practitioners are trained to deal with fungal infections, but Natalie has a particular interest in this area.
Natalie has some excellent tips that can help you avoid getting athlete’s foot.
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes. After your daily shower, don’t forget to dry your feet before putting your shoes and socks on.
- Change your socks daily and choose light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid synthetic materials like vinyl or rubber.
- Alternate your footwear. You may also consider an anti-bacterial/ anti-fungal spray for your shoes to prevent fungal growth.
- Avoid walking bare foot in public areas, like the gym, and other community areas. Wear waterproof shoes or flipflops in public showers, pools, and other shared places.
- Don’t share towels or footwear. Athlete’s foot is very contagious, avoid sharing towels or shoes with others.
Our management plans vary according to severity of the infection and your individual needs. The podiatrist will discuss a management plan according to your requirements and advise you on how to best care for your feet.
If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.
We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.
For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.
Thank you for reading – Warm Weather Means Sweaty Feet: Preventing Athlete’s Foot.
Faye Vogiatzoglou
Clinical Director