5 Ways to Avoid a Fungal Foot Infection this Summer

Athlete’s foot, warts, toenail fungus—these are some of the infections we see increasing in our Nature Coast patients at Pasco-Hernando Foot & Ankle during the summer months. Foot infections are a nuisance, for sure. Symptoms often include:

  • Itchy

  • Dry, flaky, red skin\

  • Blisters that weep

  • Unsightly appearance

While not necessarily serious on their own, fungal infections can pose a threat to patients with diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, and other conditions that decrease circulation and immunity. For those patients, prompt treatment is essential to avoid an infection or wound that may be quite difficult to heal. Below are five ways to prevent fungal infections this summer.

1.    Don’t walk barefoot—footwear is your biggest weapon against summer foot infections because direct contact spreads them. Choose easy-to-slip-on and off flip-flops or shower shoes and use them at all times in public places. Someone with a fungal infection walks around the pool barefoot and sheds infecting material, and then you walk in the same spot and pick it up.

2.    Bring your own pedicure tools to the salon—if you like to get professional pedicures bringing your clippers, cuticle trimmers, and other nail tools to the salon to ensure they are not the source of infection transmission. Ensure your salon meets the health codes and properly sanitizes its foot baths between customers.

3.    Wash your feet daily—simply washing your feet every day with soap and water will go a long way toward warding off foot infections. It’s also an excellent time to examine your feet and check for any of the above symptoms.

4.    Avoid items that touch other people’s feet—don’t borrow another person’s shoes or use their nail clippers or emery boards on your feet. Infectious material can cling to towels, footwear, and other items.

Don’t put off getting symptoms evaluated—if you notice any rash, itching, or changes in the appearance of toenails or skin on your feet, don’t wait. Contact our Hudson office promptly at 727-868-2128 or 352-683-5799 so our podiatrist, Dr. Lawrence J. Kales, can examine your feet and treat any infection before it becomes serious.

Summer Foot Care, fungal infection, foot healthPasco-Hernando Foot & AnkleAthlete's foot, warts, toenail fungus, itchy, dry, blisters, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, barefoot, pedicure, healthy feet