Avoiding Athlete's Foot

By Jane Farrell

Despite the name, athlete’s foot can happen to anyone. It is a common fungal infection that most people get from walking barefoot in moist, public places like a swimming pool deck or locker room. Athlete’s foot can result in flaky skin, cracking, and itchiness on the soles of the foot and between the toes.

To reduce the chance of catching athlete’s foot, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), recommends that you take the following precautions:

Wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or sandals when walking around pools, gyms, shower or locker areas, and hotel rooms. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot may be on the floor. Even when taking a shower in a gym, it is important to wear shower shoes or flip flops.

Even if you have not gone barefoot in public areas, keep your feet dry. This fungus thrives in warm, moist areas such as the one created inside hot, sweaty shoes. Wearing sandals or flip-flops helps when it’s hot outside. But shoes that are made from synthetic materials like plastic and rubber are more likely to cause sweating.

Wash your feet every day with soap and completely dry them after washing.

Wear socks made of natural fabrics or fabrics that dry quickly or wick moisture away from the skin. Also, be sure to change your socks every day and more often when your socks get wet.

Alternate the shoes you wear each day, if possible, to ensure shoes are dry when they are put on.

If you live with someone who has athlete’s foot, don’t share towels, linens, or shoes. Wear shoes in areas where infected feet have been.

If your athlete’s foot is not improving or is worsening, you should make an appointment to see a board-certified dermatologist.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations, with a worldwide membership of more than 18,000 physicians. For more information about skin issues, visit www.aad.org.