Two Quick Tips

Here are two quick tips for keeping your feet free from the fungi that cause athlete's foot and toenail fungal infections:

1. Use foot powder. There are many powders available for your shoes. The powder helps absorb the moisture released as your feet sweat throughout the day. Fungi thrive in moist, dark, warm environments, and removing the moisture helps you battle the fungi. It also helps reduce odors as bacteria in your sweat are what cause foot odor. When the sweat isn't absorbed into your shoes, it won't leave a residual smell in them. If you sweat excessively, you should change your socks and re-powder your shoes in the middle of the day. Remember to alternate shoes every day as the day off gives them a chance to dry out between wears. If you sweat excessively, you can make an appointment with your podiatrist to discuss treatment options and because the doctor can recommend products that go beyond the treatment of the typical foot powder.

2. Lysol your shoes. Using a disinfectant spray on your shoes kills the fungi and bacteria living in your shoes. This will help reduce the risk of fungal infections and reduce foot odor. You should spray your shoes and then let them air dry. You can speed the drying along with a hair dryer, but be careful not to shove the dryer down in the shoes and burn out the motor. Lysoling your shoes once a week will eliminate any fungus that may have developed while you were wearing those shoes and helps protect your feet.

Try these two tips not only along with treatment of a fungal infection, but as preventative measures against the appearance or return of fungi. If you notice the signs of a fungal infection in any of your nails, contact your podiatrist and schedule an appointment. Treatment is more effective when it is started early.