As the weather warms up, these conditions can be associated with a rise in fungal skin infections. A common skin condition that affects many people is athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that can be easily spread. Fortunately, there are simple measures that can prevent the formation and spread of athlete’s foot.
“Athlete’s foot is a common skin condition that impacts people who wear closed shoes for extended periods of time or otherwise can be picked up by going barefoot in public changerooms, showers or swimming pools,” explained Lynsey Hammond, MD for Kroko, manufacturers of South Africa’s leading foot care products. “The fungal infection thrives in warm, damp conditions, so we advise people who wear closed shoes to ensure they air out sweaty feet or if using public areas make sure to wear shoes or flipflops to prevent further spread.”
What is athlete’s foot?
This is a contagious fungal infection that usually starts between the toes of someone who has sweaty feet or who has picked up the infection from the floor, shared towels, or clothing. The signs of athlete’s foot include:
· Scaly, peeling, or cracked skin between the toes
· A burning or stinging sensation
· Itchy feet, particularly after removing socks and shoes
· Dry, scaly skin from the bottom of the foot extending to the sides of the foot
· Inflamed skin which could be red, purple, or grey in colour
· Blisters on the feet
How to prevent athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot can be an uncomfortable skin condition that often returns. There are ways to prevent the start of an infection, as well as to prevent the fungal infection from spreading from person to person.
1. Keep feet clean and dry
If you’re required to wear closed shoes for work, try to go barefoot or wear sandals as often as possible outside of these hours. After wearing closed shoes, it’s important to clean your feet thoroughly with warm, soapy water – especially between the toes – before drying them. If you tend to have sweaty feet, then buy socks made from natural materials like cotton as these limit the amount of moisture. It is important to change your socks every day so you always put on clean socks. Alternate your shoes to give them time to dry out before wearing them again.
2. Protect your feet
Athlete’s foot is a contagious infection which means protecting your feet when you’re out in public places. If you’re using public pools, public showers, or public locker rooms, remember to always wear waterproof sandals to prevent contracting athlete’s foot. If you live with other people, never share shoes, towels, or linen that haven’t been washed.
3. Use a foot powder
One of the most effective ways to prevent athlete’s foot, as well as preventing sweaty and smelly feet in the warmer weather, is to use a proven foot powder such as Kroko Foot Powder. This has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal ingredients which prevent these sorts of infections by absorbing sweat and killing bacteria. Kroko Foot Powder keeps feet hygienically fresh and odour-free by removing moisture and adding a refreshing minty fragrance.
