How to Prevent Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot, caused by the fungus trichophytonrubrum, thrives in warmth and moisture. It makes your feet feel itchy and irritated. Here are a few tips to help keep you from getting it.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Athletic Socks
• Shower Shoes
• Shoe Inserts
• Permanent Markers
• Permanent markers

1. Dry your feet carefully after bathing, showering or swimming. Be sure to dry between your toes.

2. Wear shoes made from leather and other natural materials. Avoid waterproof or rubber shoes for everyday use because your feet won't be able to breathe.

3. Change your socks frequently. If you have sweaty feet, take a pair of fresh socks to work with you and put on clean ones during your lunch hour. Then put on another fresh pair after work.

4. Choose 100 percent cotton, white socks, whenever possible. Colored socks can be more irritating to the feet because of the dyes. Cotton absorbs more moisture than synthetic materials.

5. Wear shower shoes or thongs when using a community shower.

6. Rotate your shoes, especially gym shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day to the gym or to work. Running specialists suggest putting a colored dot (with magic marker) onto one pair of sneakers. Use the dot as a reminder of which days to wear which shoes.

7. Consider shoe liners. Some are designed to help reduce foot moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Try acrylic socks. Some people think acrylic is more effective than cotton in wicking moisture away from the feet.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.

[peterpan56]

on 5/6/2008 Very good advice, all 7 points are practical and effective in helping to prevent athlete's feet.
http://health-pictures.com/infection/atheletes-foot.htm

on 11/22/2005 Don't wear socks while you are in bed! Your feet need air to prevent fungus growth and disease.

on 11/22/2005 If you are prone to athlete's foot, ensure that you practice good foot hygiene and then apply an antifungal foot powder to prevent reccurance of athlete's foot. The powder helps absorb additional moisture from the feet.