Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, can affect approximately fifteen to twenty-five percent of people at any given period of time. Regularly changing your socks, however, can help prevent Athlete’s foot, which stems from a fungal infection. To avoid the possibility of contracting Athlete’s foot altogether, many people opt to wear sandals. Wearing sandals becomes difficult during the colder winter months, however, making the wearing and changing of socks essential.

Bothersome foot odor can also be prevented with the regular changing of socks. According to the U.K.’s National Health Service, changing into a clean pair of socks at least once a day can help prevent unpleasant foot odor. The material of the socks can also play a role in the presence of bacteria; synthetic materials such as polyester are more likely to house fungus-causing bacteria when compared to fabrics such as cotton.

Personal hygiene plays an important role in the prevention of Athlete’s foot. To learn more, speak to Dr. Michael H. Wynn, DPM of Foot Care Associates of Texas. Dr. Wynn will assist you with all of your foot and ankle concerns.

Athlete’s Foot: The Sole Story

If you suffer from itching, burning, dry, and flaking feet, this may be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, can be extremely contagious, and it often infects shower floors, gyms, socks and shoes, and anywhere else feet may come in contact with. It is commonly found in public changing areas and bathrooms, dormitory style living quarters, around locker rooms and public swimming pools.

Solutions to Combat Athlete’s Foot

- Hydrate your feet by using lotion
- Exfoliate
- Buff off nails
- Use of anti-fungal product
- Examine feet and visit your doctor if any suspicious blisters or cuts are present.

What is Tinea?

- Athlete’s foot is often caused by the same fungus that causes ringworm (tinea).
- Tinea can invade other parts of the body as well, if the proper thriving conditions for it are met.
- Tinea thrives in mostly dark, warm and moist environments.
- Although many people never experience athlete’s foot, around 70% of the population may suffer from tinea at some point.

For more information about Athlete’s Foot, follow the link below.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Kingwood, TX. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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