Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin’s sensitive areas, like toes, feet, and hands. Contrary to its name, it is not restricted to athletes and sportspersons only. In fact, it can affect anyone. While the more common cause of this infection is sweat and humid conditions, it is important to note that it is contagious in nature and, hence, can even be caused by coming in contact with an infected person or source. Symptoms of it include excessive itchiness, dryness, and scaly rashes.

If you had athlete’s foot in the past, you already know how taxing its treatment can be. While the minor infections can be treated using over-the-counter medicines, the more serious ones require extensive medical treatments that can be both painful and expensive. To avoid this, the best resort is to prevent its re-occurrence. Here are five tips that will help you to prevent athlete’s foot:

Stay hygienic
Staying neat and clean is the best option if you are really keen on preventing athlete’s foot. Tinea fungus causes this infection and regularly cleaning your feet and other parts of the body will ensure that you can wash away the fungus even before it starts infecting. Ensure that you are washing the area that is more susceptible to contract an infection, like the skin between toes. Also, ensure that you thoroughly dry your skin afterward using a fresh and clean towel.

Well-ventilated shoes are a must
Tinea fungus thrives in humid areas and if your shoes and socks are sweaty, there is a chance that it might have found a home there, too. Hence, ensure that you are wearing well-ventilated shoes and clothes that are breathable. Switching to clothes made of synthetic fibers will be helpful here.

Do not share shoes or clothes
Do not share your shoes or clothes with anyone. Remember that this infection is quite contagious and can easily spread from an infected source. So, sharing even a towel will mean that you are under the risk of getting contaminated by it. Also, if you sweat too much, always carry an extra pair of clothes and shoes with you to change into something drier.

Antifungal products to the rescue
If you are being affected by skin-related infections, again and again, it is time to switch to antifungal skin care products. Antifungal products have the ability to fight fungus while keeping your skin healthy. You can use powders, creams, or gels for this purpose based on your need and convenience. These can keep you ready to sweat it out without having to worry about any kind of infections, as these are skin-safe and easily available in the market.

Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
As much as you want to get off those uncomfortable shoes at the end of a tiring day, avoid walking barefoot in public areas like washrooms, saunas, toilets, swimming pools, and locker rooms. As mentioned earlier, athlete’s foot spreads from an infected source and you would certainly not want to take a risk if you are keen on preventing it.