How to treat athlete’s foot
There are many treatment options available. Basically, over-the-counter antifungal powders, sprays or creams can help control the infection.
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Severe cases should be referred to a doctor for professional help and support. However, crucial to an effective cure, lies at endeavouring to complete the course of treatment or you may risk getting re-infected.
Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes.
Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area very carefully and completely. Try to do this at least twice a day.
Soaking the feet in a homemade remedy constituting of diluted white vinegar soaks, using one part vinegar and roughly four parts water, once or twice a day. A 10-minute foot soaks may aid in treatment
Wear clean, cotton socks and change socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep the feet dry.
A cotton sock absorbs moisture. Avoid wearing plastic shoes to avoid moisture build up on your feet and between your toes.
Keeping your feet dry and practicing good hygiene is crucial to preventing re-infection.
Prevention
The fungi that cause athlete's foot can live on shower floors, wet towels and footwear as well as spread from person to person from shared contact with showers, towels, etc. Hygiene, therefore, plays an important role in managing an athlete's foot infection.
Parents who have kids in boarding houses should advise them to avoid sharing personal items, like slippers and beds and not walk barefoot.
Follow these preventive measures
• The fungi that cause athlete's foot can live on shower floors, wet towels and footwear and can spread from person to person.
• Always put on your sandals or slippers at a public shower or pool.
• Ensure that you dry your feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming. Learn to change your socks often to keep your feet dry. At least once a day.
• Avoid wearing damp socks.
• Use antifungal or drying powder to prevent athlete's foot if you are susceptible to getting it, or you frequent areas where athlete's foot fungus is common (like public showers).
• Buy and wear shoes that are well ventilated and preferably, made of natural materials such as leather.
• Try and alternate your shoes each day, so they can dry completely between wearing.
The Writer is a Certified Image Consultant and provides Corporate & Personal Training on Personal grooming and Business Etiquette
She is the Principal Consultant at Kobadem Training Centre and also manages KOBADEM UNISEX Boutique
([email protected]; www.kobadem.com/facebook; [email protected])
0206471765
