Fall Brings New Risk of Fungal Infections

At Goldsmith Podiatry, our patients are often surprised to hear that there is an increased risk of fungal infection in the fall. While many people associate athlete’s foot, toenail fungus and other communicable foot infections with going bare foot in the summer, fall brings its own set of challenges and primetime breeding scenarios for fungi.

Moving Your Workout Indoors

Once the days get shorter and the temperatures drop, many people change their fitness routine. Instead of walks in the park, biking or other outdoor activities, patients switch to indoor treadmills, fitness classes, and weight machines. The floors of locker rooms, gyms, and communal showers are areas where fungal infections thrive—warm, moist and lots of bare feet passing over them. Since fungal infections are spread by direct contact, one key way to avoid them is by keeping your feet covered with shower shoes or flip-flops in public spaces.

Closing Up Shoes

Another change that comes in the fall is wearing more closed shoe styles. Sandals and lightweight summer shoes offer natural opportunities for feet to breathe. Closed up in warm, dark shoes and perhaps sweating due to heat in the car or office or just walking long distances can trap sweat against your skin and allow bacteria and fungi a chance to grow. Be sure to change your socks as soon as you notice that they are damp. Alternate your shoes and allow at least 24 hours for a pair to air out before you wear again. Dusting your feet with talcum or anti-fungal powder will also help to keep feet dry.

Back to School

If you have school age children, they may bring home fungal infections. Children are not known for their hygiene habits. Be sure your child has shower shoes for gym class and educate them not to trade shoes and socks or share other items that touch another person’s foot. If your child does contract a fungal infection, make an appointment at our Upper West Side NY office so that our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith and Dr. Rosanna Troia can examine your child’s feet and prescribe the appropriate treatment. Until the infection clears, be sure your child doesn’t share towels or a bed with anyone else and clean the shower thoroughly after they bathe.