Choose wider, more breathable footwear.

This goes along with the previous point, but it’s worth mentioning on its own. Selecting shoes made from breathable fabrics that are wide enough in the toe box to give your toes some wiggle room can make a big difference, along with moisture-wicking socks.

Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes.

For an extra bit of defense, using an antifungal in your shoes daily is strongly recommended, especially if you have a history of athlete’s foot or fungal toenails.

Discard old shoes if they have already been exposed to your athlete’s foot.

Once the fungi have made their home in your shoes, the safest way to prevent a reinfection is to chuck them out. 

Don’t share clothes, towels, or tools.

This primarily includes socks and shoes, unwashed towels, or accessories like nail clippers or skincare tools.

Wash socks, towels, and other clothes with hot water and bleach.

This is the best way to ensure you kill as much of the fungi as possible. Soapy, warm water on its own may not do the trick.

Treat any fungal infections you develop promptly.

The same varieties of fungi that cause athlete’s foot can also cause fungal toenails, as well as other fungal skin infections like ringworm or jock itch. Treating these infections quickly and completely, wherever and whenever they appear on your body, means they have less opportunity to spread.

Follow through with treatment.

If an antifungal cream says to take it for four weeks, take it for four weeks—even if symptoms have cleared up much earlier. Abandoning the treatment protocol halfway through may mean some of the fungi stay on your skin, ready to make a comeback.

Be selective about your nail salon.

Fungal and bacterial infections have been known to spread from person to person who may have shared tools or foot baths at a spa or salon. If you like to get an occasional pedicure, make sure your salon and technicians are fully licensed and sterilize all equipment between customers (or use single-use tools).

What to Do When Prevention Fails

If you notice itchiness, redness, or other signs of athlete’s foot—despite your best efforts to prevent it—don’t panic! But do begin treatment immediately.Most mild-to-moderate cases of athlete’s foot can be cured by using an over-the-counter antifungal product and following the complete treatment plan recommended on the package.However, if you find that your athlete’s foot isn’t getting better, is getting worse, or keeps coming back, please don’t hesitate to call us. You shouldn’t have to put up with itchy feet, and you definitely don’t want it to spread to your toenails.We will likely want to perform a diagnostic test to confirm that athlete’s foot really is what you’re dealing with, as there are a few other skin conditions that can produce similar symptoms. If it is athlete’s foot, we’re happy to provide you with stronger antifungal treatments than what you can find on a pharmacy shelf. And if it isn’t, we’ll be able to provide an alternative treatment plan that we believe will work better.

Do You Or A Family Member Need The Help Of An Experienced Podiatrist In The Caldwell Or Meridian, Idaho Area?

If you're seeking the help of an experienced podiatrist you owe it to yourself to speak with our doctors as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact us online or call our office directly at 208.855.5955 to schedule your appointment. We service all areas surrounding Meridian, Idaho as well as all areas in the Caldwell, Idaho area. We look forward to helping you!

Dr. P. Roman Burk
Providing experienced private practice podiatry services in the Caldwell and Meridian, ID area since 2007.