Protect Your Feet from Fungus this Summer

You can still enjoy all the wonderful parts of summer without the unpleasant fungal infection. 

Once the warm weather hits, it can be an exciting time full of days spent hanging at the local swimming pool. Whether you are taking the kids for a cooling dip or you just want to enjoy a little R&R over the weekend, our Clinton and Waldorf, MD, podiatrists - Dr. Larry Hotchkiss and Dr. Justin Pointer - are here to provide some information on how to protect your feet from that dreaded fungal infection this summer.

Keep Your Feet Clean

Regardless of your day’s schedule, if you wore shoes for a good portion of the day then it’s time to give your feet a good cleaning. You should be cleaning your feet everyday with soap and water. Standing in the shower and letting the water and soap run over your feet isn’t enough. Really make sure you clean every surface of your feet, even between the toes. Just because you can’t see bacteria doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

Use Antifungal Powders

Are you prone to fungal infections? If you are reading this then chances are you’ve already had a few issues with fungal problems in the past. If this is the case, a good preventive measure you can take is to apply an antifungal powder or spray in your shoes before you wear them and then reapply it once you take them off. Also, remember not to wear the same shoes twice in a row (give them time to thoroughly air out before wearing them again).

Wash Those Soaked Socks

Did you get stuck in a sudden downpour? Have particularly sweaty feet? These issues happen, but it’s how you handle it that could determine whether you also face a fungal infection in the near future. Make sure you remove those wet socks as soon as possible and toss them in the wash immediately. Just like shoes, you never want to wear socks more than once.

Wear Protective Footwear

Whether you love frequenting the local pool or you consider yourself an avid gym goer, these are locations that just breed fungus. Hot, moist environments are where fungus thrives. Play it safe and remember to wear sandals and “shower shoes” in communal areas.

Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle in Clinton and Waldorf, MD, is here for you whenever you need foot care. Whether you are dealing with chronic heel pain or you do end up experiencing a fungal infection, turn to our foot care experts for the care you need.