Best Ways to Prevent (and Treat) Athlete’s Foot Fungus at Home
Athlete’s foot fungus is no fun. I’ve suffered from athlete’s foot on and off for several years. Sure – it goes for a few weeks, even months. But then it’s back and I have to treat it again. If you’re like me, you know my pain (or itch).
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by the same kind of fungus as ringworm (yuck) and jock itch. The fungus spreads by spores which you can catch from other people or yourself. It’s incredibly uncomfortable and difficult to get rid of (Source). But you knew that already didn’t you?
When you have athlete’s foot, how do you get rid of it? And can your prevent yourself from getting it in the first place?
1. Keep Your Feet Dry (and Clean)
As a fungus, athlete’s foot thrives in damp and warm conditions. That’s why it grows in places like between your toes, under your armpits or (if you’re really unlucky) your crotch.
The easiest way to guard against this is to keep your feet dry. That means a few things. Firstly make sure you dry your feet thoroughly coming out of the bath or shower.
If your feet and socks get wet, change them. I now have at least one dry pair of socks with me at all times. If you step in a puddle on the way to the office, you’re already winning in a pair of dry socks. Speaking of socks…
2. Change Your Socks Regularly
When I was in the army, we had a whole training session on changing socks regularly. On exercise, missing a change of socks was punishable by ‘extra physical training’ namely running around with your rifle above your head for extended periods of time.
And with good reason. Changing into clean socks regularly prevents fungal spores from getting a hold in your toe sleeves and will keep you fungus free for longer. Change your socks at least once per day – more often if you sweat a lot or live in a hot country.
3. Wear Natural Fibre Socks – Bamboo, Cotton
If you want to really steal a march on athlete’s foot, change your synthetic fibre socks for something a bit more natural. Socks with a high proportion of natural fibres prevent your feet from overheating, getting sweaty and therefore reduce your chances of getting athlete’s foot infection. There are some really solid brands of bamboo socks which are easily my favourite. Here’s a review of my favourite.
4. Treat with Creams and Powders
These are the most common ‘over the counter’ treatments for athlete’s foot. Good treatments will include an antifungal agent that will help to kill the fungus over time. Remember to dry your feet off properly before you apply them.
My own experience with creams and powders is that they have limited effectiveness. Creams can be good for the moisturising effect on your dry and itchy skin.
5. Spray that Again?
Anti fungal sprays are my favourite way to treat athletes foot. Why? Because they actually work. My favourite brand is this one. I’ve used it consistently over the last few years and it gives good results. Just spray a little onto dry feet in the morning and evening and you’ll see the back of that itch.
Still Suffering? See a Doctor
If you’ve been through all these steps and nothing seems to be working then you shouldn’t keep trying the same thing expecting different results. If your symptoms get worse, see a medical doctor who can prescribe something a bit stronger than over the counter remedies.
