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 changerooms, showers or swimming pools. 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 flipflops to prevent further spread. As the seasons change, warmer conditions can lead to a rise in fungal skin infections. Here are some tips on how to prevent athlete's foot as the weather warms up.

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 the floor, 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 of the foot
• Inflamed skin which 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 wear closed shoes for work, try to go barefoot or wear sandals as often as possible outside of these hours. After wearing closed shoes, 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 is important to change your socks every day so you 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 so try to protect your feet when you’re out in public places. If you’re using public pools, public showers, or public locker rooms, remember to wear waterproof sandals to prevent contracting athlete’s foot. If you live with other people, never share shoes, towels, or linen that haven’t been washed.

Use a foot powder:

Use a proven anti-fungal and anti-bacterial foot powder like Kroko Foot Powder to prevent sweaty and smelly feet. This helps prevent 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.