Tips to Manage Athlete's Foot As a Swimmer

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects as much as 15% of the population at any given time. While anyone can develop athlete’s foot, it tends to be especially common among swimmers.

Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, and Joel S Segalman, FACFAS, FACFAO, and the team at Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, help swimmers of all ages manage athlete’s foot infections with advanced care focused on eliminating the underlying fungal population. This post offers some simple tips that can help you avoid infections so you can enjoy your time in the water.

Dry your feet thoroughly

Athlete’s foot fungus loves damp environments, and since your feet routinely get exposed to water, it makes them more prone to infections. To reduce the risk of infections, you should thoroughly dry your feet as soon as you get out of the pool. 

Take time to dry between your toes where moisture tends to linger. Dry your feet again after your shower to ensure they are dry before you put on your shoes and socks.

Do not share towels

Most people think of athlete’s foot spreading through shared shoes or socks, but it can spread through shared towels, too. Always use a clean, dry towel to dry your feet after swimming and showering, and never use someone else’s towel or lend your towel to another swimmer. Ideally, carry your towel from home and put it in the laundry when you get home. 

Wear shower shoes or flip-flops

Pool decks and locker room floors are constantly damp and usually surrounded by warm environments, an ideal setting for fungus to thrive. Never walk on these surfaces in bare feet. 

Invest in a pair of swim shoes, shower shoes, or flip-flops and slip into them right after drying your feet. Wear them during your shower to provide a barrier between your damp skin and contaminated surfaces.

Keep shoes clean

Swim shoes can remain damp for a long time after you wear them. Make sure your shoes have time to dry completely between wear, and ideally, rotate between multiple pairs so you’re always wearing a clean, dry pair.

You can also disinfect shoes between wear by wiping them with a disinfectant wipe. Leave your shoes in the bright sun when possible to let the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays kill germs naturally. Always store them in a dry place, never in a damp gym bag.

Keep antifungal powder on hand

Slip a container of antifungal foot powder into your bag and sprinkle some inside your swim shoes or regular shoes before you put them on. You can also sprinkle powder on your feet before putting on your socks for extra protection.

Slip into moisture-wicking socks

• Before slipping into shoes after your shower, slip into clean, dry socks. Opt for moisture-wicking socks if you can for an added layer of protection. Always carry extra clean, dry socks with you in case the ones you have become damp during the day.

Check your feet regularly

Knowing the signs of athlete’s foot can help you spot infections early so you can seek treatment before the infection becomes more widespread. Signs to look for include:

• Persistent itchiness
• Redness
• Burning sensations
• Peeling or cracked skin on your soles or between toes

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s critical to seek medical treatment immediately and follow treatment instructions precisely to ensure the fungal bodies get destroyed.

It’s also important to note that you can spread the fungal infection to other parts of your body through damp towels without proper treatment. You can also transport the fungus to your genitals if your underwear touches your infected feet when you’re getting dressed.

Long-lasting relief for athlete’s foot

Swimming is good for your health but can increase your risk of athlete’s foot infections. To learn how we can help you manage infections quickly and effectively, request an appointment online or over the phone with the Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists team in Waterbury and Newtown, Connecticut, today.