Foot Fungus: 5 Causes and Remedies

The men’s locker room is dark and full of terrors – one of them is fungi! If you like walking around barefoot in gym showers, yoga studios, or your barkada’s house, you’re at risk of developing foot fungus. Here’s a rundown of the different causes of this skin issue and what you can do about it.

One common and transmissible type of foot fungus is athlete’s foot, which usually starts between the toes. Its symptoms include scaly or cracked skin, severe itching, redness, and blisters. The sides of the affected foot can appear very dry and flaky. Those with athlete’s foot are also susceptible to fungal nail infections, wherein the toenails turn yellow or brown and become thicker and brittle.

No, you don’t have to be your liga’s star player to get it. Causes of foot fungus include:

Sweaty feet – Dermatophytes fungi, which cause athlete’s foot, thrive in warm and damp environments. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, people with hyperhidrosis usually also develop this condition because their feet are always wet.

Wearing enclosed footwear – Even if you don’t sweat heavily, wearing enclosed shoes can lead to more sweating. This creates the perfect environment for these organisms to grow.

Walking barefoot in public areas – Not using slippers in the gym showers, saunas, or at a public pool exposes your feet to fungi in the environment. This is how infection spreads.

Sharing personal items – Athlete’s foot can spread through contact with an infected person or their contaminated things, such as mats, clothing, shoes, towels, etc.

Getting a pedicure – We commend you for taking personal grooming seriously. However, make sure that nail technicians use sterilized tools to avoid infection. You may also bring your own.

According to the US Center for Disease Control, athlete’s foot is a hygiene-related disease. You can prevent it by keeping your toenails short and clean since these can hold and spread infection. If you already have foot fungus, avoid walking around barefoot and keep your feet dry. Air your closed shoes out regularly.

Before applying anti-fungal medications as prescribed by your doctor, shower and wash your feet thoroughly with LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Bodywash Total 10. This provides powerful germ protection and helps prevent the spread of diseases with Activ Silver+.

Proper personal hygiene and being mindful of your surroundings can help keep foot fungus away. If you do happen to catch it, talk to your doctor at once to keep it from spreading. Follow your treatment plan and be patient. In the meantime, always wear slippers and don’t share your stuff.