Athlete’s Foot in Winter? Yes, and Here’s 7 Ways to Prevent It!

When one thinks of fungal toenails, warts, and Athlete’s foot, it conjures up visions of walking barefoot in the summer as the perfect scenario for catching these fungal issues. But Dr. Hubert Lee at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA, sees a good number of these conditions during the winter months as well. Today he shares 7 ways to prevent Athlete’s foot and other fungal infections this winter.

In winter, the combination of warmth, closed-in spaces, and dampness can create a great scenario for bacterial and fungal infections to thrive. Sweaty or wet feet, enclosed in socks inside of heavy shoes or boots in heated homes, offices, and cars, can cultivate the growth of a fungal infection from just one direct contact with a virus.

Following are 7 tips for preventing a bacterial or fungal infection this winter.

1. Many patients exercise indoors during the winter months. School or community pools and gyms are good places to encounter fungi in the shower area, pool deck, or locker room. Always wear shower shoes or flip-flops when in these public areas.
2. Cleanse your feet daily with warm soapy water and dry them completely. Be especially careful to dry the spaces between your toes.
3. If getting a pedicure, confirm that your salon uses safe sanitizing practices for tools and footbaths.
4. If your feet sweat more than normal, sprinkle on foot powder before putting on your socks and shoes.
5. Never use shoes, socks, nail clippers, towels, or any other items that have touched someone else’s feet.
6. Be sure to change your socks when they begin to feel damp, even if you have to change them several times a day.
7. Bandage any scrapes, blisters, ingrown toenails or cuts. A break in the skin is an open invitation for bacteria to come in and possibly start an infection.

If you follow these tips but still notice a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection in your feet, contact Dr. Hubert Lee and his team at CarePlus Foot & Ankle Specialists in Bellevue, WA. You can schedule an appointment online or by calling us at 425-455-0936. We will examine your feet to assess your condition and provide you with the best treatment option to prevent spreading of the infection.