Best treatment for athletes foot is a fungal infection that causes an itchy and sometimes painful rash on the feet, usually between the toes. It is often caused by sweating heavily in the foot area, and most people who wear closed-toe shoes for long hours develop this contagious condition. If you are at risk of developing athlete’s foot, you should be aware that there are ways of minimizing your chances of contracting it. Here are some tips:
Keep your feet protected when using public pools and showers
Athlete’s foot is very contagious, and it thrives in moist environments. This is why it’s imperative that you refrain from walking around in public areas like showers, hotels, and pools with your bare feet. Instead of walking barefoot, you should wear shower shoes, flip-flops, or some type of waterproof sandals to keep your feet protected.
Wash and dry your feet frequently
Washing and carefully drying your feet daily is very important, as it can wash away any fungus that could be developing on your feet. Fungus grows rapidly in dark, moist areas, so when washing and drying your feet, be sure to get between your toes, which is the prime location for athlete’s foot fungus to grow.
Wear the appropriate socks
Again, if it’s necessary to wear closed-toe shoes on a regular basis, be sure to wear socks made from natural fibers. Socks made from natural fibers will absorb moisture, keeping your feet dry and infection-free. You should also change your socks each time you clean your feet, as well.
Promote regular air flow to your feet
If it’s necessary to wear closed-toe shoes for many hours each day, be sure to give your feet a break as soon as possible. By simply allowing your feet to be exposed to the air several hours a day, you can minimize your chances of developing this annoying condition.
As you can see, there are some smart ways to avoid contracting athlete’s foot. However, if you find yourself with this condition despite following these tips, you might be seeking the best treatment for athletes foot. Sometimes the best treatment is seeing your doctor so you can receive a prescription anti-fungal, but you can try over-the-counter treatments first. Some common over-the-counter treatments are: applying tea tree oil, soaking your feet in sea salt water, and using hydrogen peroxide. If these treatments fail, see your doctor immediately, because athlete’s foot doesn’t go away on its own and must be effectively treated.
