Biped mobility, evolved via millions of years of evolutionary adjustments, makes humans unique. Your foot keeps you grounded and takes you from one place to another in pursuit of happiness. Despite its importance, your feet get the least of your attention in terms of care. The exposure to the ground makes your foot vulnerable to several infections.
The hard work your foot does and challenges it endures makes it sweaty, stinky and perfect carrier of all types of germs. You can get fungal infections like Athlete’s foot, resulting in redness and itchiness.
Don’t fall in the trap of terminology, as anyone can be the victim of fungal overgrowth causing itchy rash and peeling of the skin. If you are a sportsman, the chances of an athlete’s foot are quite high as compared to anyone else.
Some tips of the do’s and don’ts to have an anti-fungal foot to treat the athlete’s foot condition:
- Moisture Control- This infection thrives best in optimum moisture and temperature. If you want to have anti-fungal foot, try to keep your feet dry as much as you can. Just wash your feet and dry it using a clean towel. If your work requires you to wear shoes for a longer period of time it is better to use some medicated anti-fungal powder to absorb perspiration. Another good way to prevent the fungal outbreak is to wear shoes that have some airflow features. It is better to wear cotton socks so that they could absorb extra moisture.
- Wash Your Hand After Touching Your Foot– The fungus is already there it is better to wash your hand every time when you touch your feet. This fungus spreads fast, so better avoid anything that could help it spread easily. Use good quality disinfectants to wash your hands and feet.
- No Barefoot in Public Areas – After a long day it is advised to avoid shoes for the few minutes, but do take precaution while you are heading towards areas like locker rooms. If someone is already infected, you have to be extra cautious. If you are in a public place like a swimming pool, do use some slipper to avoid the unwarranted chance of fungal foot. It is good to have separate towels, linens, and shower mats.
- Avoid Tight Shoes – If you are not feeling comfortable in your shoes, you are inviting several issues and an athlete’s foot could be one of them. Tight shoes will naturally have no airflow and it creates extra warmness resulting in more sweating and moisture. So, be careful about fitness while buying a new pair of shoes.
- Keep OTC Preparation or Home Remedy – The foot needs special attention as it won’t go naturally. You have to treat it with special anti-fungal cream. Don’t stop using it soon, as fungus might come back with higher resistance. There are several OTC preparations you can use on a regular basis. Home remedies like cornstarch, distilled water, hydrogen peroxide, and apple cider vinegar are known to have a good impact on the fungus.
- No Scratching – You will feel tempted to scratch as it gives unknown satisfaction. Try to avoid scratching and peeling of skin as this might aggravate the condition. Do wash your hand properly to stop the spread to other areas.
If the fungal foot problem persists, it is better to consult with a foot doctor. He will recommend some advanced treatments to help you get rid of the infection. He may conduct some tests also to identify the fungus for better and targeted treatment. Simple precautions can help you get the anti-fungal foot.