Warmer weather 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 change rooms, showers or swimming pools,” explains Lynsey Hammond, managing director for Kroko, manufacturer 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 flip flops 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 floors, 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.
- • Inflamed skin that 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:
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’s important to change your socks every day, so always put on clean socks. Alternate your shoes to give them time to dry out before wearing them again.
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 always to wear waterproof sandals to prevent contracting athlete’s foot. If you live with other people, never share shoes, towels or linens that haven’t been washed.
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 antibacterial and anti-fungal ingredients that 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.
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