Protecting Your Family from Athlete’s Foot

Summertime Foot Care: Protecting Your Family from Athlete’s Foot

As summer arrives, families are eager to soak up the sun, play at the beach, and enjoy the pool. However, these fun outdoor activities can sometimes expose us to certain health risks, such as athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments, making it more prevalent during the summer months when we tend to go barefoot in public spaces.

Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your children.

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal infection that primarily affects the feet. It can cause itching, redness, cracking, and peeling of the skin, particularly between the toes.

How It Spreads:

  • Direct Contact: Athlete’s foot can be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces like pool decks, locker room floors, or shared footwear.
  • Moisture: Sweaty or damp feet create the ideal breeding ground for the fungus, which is why it’s more prevalent in summer.

Symptoms:

Watch out for itching, burning, or redness between the toes, on the soles, or the sides of the feet. If you or your child experience these symptoms, it’s important to take action promptly.

Prevention and Treatment:

  1. Keep Feet Dry: After water activities, thoroughly dry your feet. Opt for moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes.
  2. Footwear: In public spaces, wear flip-flops or water shoes to prevent direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
  3. Antifungal Creams: Over-the-counter antifungal creams can help treat athlete’s foot. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
  4. Good Hygiene: Encourage your kids to wash their feet daily, especially after outdoor play.
6 Ways To Fix Dry, Cracked Feet and Heels

Moms have you or anyone in your family had Athlete’s foot before? Share with us below and let’s learn from one another and help one another.

Because on our own, we can get by, but together we’re unstoppable.

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5 thoughts on “Protecting Your Family from Athlete’s Foot

  1. Palesa L. says:

    I used to suffer from athletes foot ,my feet sweat a lot whether it’s summer or winter so I have to avoid wearing closed shoes. I used Terbane ointment to treat it and now I’m good to go 👍

  2. Natasha S. says:

    My husband suffers from Athlete’s Foot and it seems from his side of the family a few family members suffers from it too, they use Lamisil it comes in either a spray form or ointment. He prefers the spray then you don’t have to rub it on and it really works. Thank you for the tips👍I already use flip flops especially when we at public places taught my son to do this too now it’s just a habit.