4 Ways to Prevent a Winter Fungal Foot Infection
At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know our Manhattan patients may associate infections such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus with summer. Still, they are most certainly a risk during the colder months. Sweaty feet stuck inside dark, closed shoes are a perfect breeding ground for fungi. These conditions can be uncomfortable, annoying, and difficult to get rid of. If you have diabetes, it can also lead to serious medical complications. Take the steps below to avoid fungal foot infections this winter.
Don’t let your feet sit in sweaty socks. It’s natural to try to keep your feet warm by putting on one or more pairs of socks in the winter. But, trudging to work or out running errands, sometimes in wet, snowy weather, can result in feet that are damp from perspiration or precipitation. It’s essential to change your socks as soon as you notice they are no longer dry. If you’re someone who just tends to sweat profusely, keep an extra pair of socks in your desk or bag so you can change during the day as needed.
Use anti-fungal foot powder. Another way to help keep feet dry is by applying an anti-fungal or talcum powder to your feet each day. A roll-on antiperspirant can also be helpful on the soles of your feet.
Keep feet covered in public spaces. Although the pool and beach days seem a distant memory now, there are other places where people walk barefoot in the winter, such as the gym locker room and shower and nail salon. Direct contact spreads fungal infections, so wear flip-flops or shower shoes to avoid transmission in public places.
Don’t share footgear. Socks, shoes, towels, nail clippers, and other items that touch another person’s feet can all pass on fungal infections.
Symptoms of fungal infections can include dry, flaky skin that’s itchy and oozing and nails that are discolored, have spots on them, or are getting thick and crumbly. If you suspect an infection, contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 so one of our podiatrists, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff can examine your feet and prescribe the correct treatment if a fungal infection is diagnosed.