At any given period of time, around fifteen to twenty-five percent of people have Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection of the foot, can easily be prevented by regularly changing your socks. Many people choose to wear sandals to help avoid an Athlete’s foot infection. During the colder winter months, however, wearing sandals may be difficult.

Another benefit of habitually changing your socks is the prevention of troublesome foot odor. Changing into a clean pair of socks at least once a day can help prevent unpleasant smells, according to the U.K.’s National Health Service. When compared to fabrics such as cotton, synthetic materials such as polyester are more likely to house odor- and fungus-causing bacteria and should therefore be avoided.

Foot conditions caused by fungal infections, such as Athlete’s foot, mostly form due to improper hygiene. For more information about how to prevent Athlete’s foot, consult with one of our podiatrists of Greene Podiatry Associates, Inc. Our doctors will answer any of your foot- and ankle-related questions.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot
- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.

What is Tinea?
- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.

For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Waynesburg, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

Read more about Athlete’s Foot