Itching, burning, and peeling are classic symptoms of the fungal infection known as "athlete's foot," which affects the skin of the feet. Even while this ailment can happen at any time of the year, the winter is the season of year when it seems to be most prevalent since feet are more frequently covered by shoes and socks for extended periods of time. What you need to know about athlete's foot and how to avoid getting it in the winter is provided here.
What is Athlete's Foot?
A fungal condition known as athlete's foot affects the skin of the feet. Tinea, a form of fungus that grows in warm, wet settings like the interior of shoes and socks, is the culprit behind this condition. It can be extremely infectious and quickly passed from person to person through contaminated surfaces, causing itching, burning, peeling, and redness on the skin of the foot.
Why is Athlete's Foot More Common in Winter?
Our feet are more likely to spend extended amounts of time in shoes and socks during the winter, which provides the perfect habitat for the tinea fungus to flourish. Our feet may perspire more in colder temperatures, increasing the chance of an infection. Additionally, dry indoor heating can result in dry, cracked foot skin that is more vulnerable to fungus infections.
Preventing Athlete's Foot in Winter
Wear Breathable Shoes and Socks
To help stop the tinea fungus from spreading, it's crucial to wear shoes and socks that enable your feet to breathe. Avoid shoes made of synthetic materials that can trap moisture and instead go for shoes made of breathable fabrics like mesh or leather. Wear fresh, dry socks, and swap them out periodically if your feet start to get sweaty or moist.
Keep Your Feet Dry
Athlete's foot may be avoided by keeping your feet dry since the tinea fungus prefers warm, damp settings to grow. After bathing or showering, be careful to properly dry your feet. You may also apply an antifungal spray or powder to keep your feet dry all day.
Practice Good Foot Hygiene
Regular foot washing and drying might aid in limiting the spread of the tinea fungus. To lessen skin irritability and infections, be sure to completely dry your feet, paying specific attention to the space in between your toes.
Avoid Sharing Shoes and Socks
Sharing socks and shoes with others increases the risk of transmitting the tinea fungus from one person to another. Wash and dry your shoes and socks completely if you have athlete's foot since the tinea fungus may persist on these things for a long time.
Use Antifungal Sprays and Powders
In the winter, when your feet are more likely to be covered in shoes and socks, antifungal sprays and powders can be very helpful in preventing the tinea fungus.
Treatment for Athlete's Foot
To stop the illness from spreading, it's critical to get treatment as soon as you believe you have athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is often successfully treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays, but more severe cases may need prescription drugs. To help stop the illness from spreading, it's also essential to keep your feet dry and clean and avoid exchanging shoes and socks.