Athletes foot is one of those inconveniences that catches up with us at one point in our lives, ever had to deal with it? If so, then you know how irritating and quite unpractical it can be at times. In this article, the ways to eliminate the problem at the shoes are explained to assist you to maintain the health of your feet.

Athlete’s foot may cause some itching or redness but please do not worry as we are here to assist you! We will look at factors that contribute to it, measures that can be taken to prevent it and lastly, how to prevent the fungus from affecting your shoes.

If you are in need of shoes that could provide you with optimum safety against foot infections such as this fungus, then Vessi should be your best bet. Regarding Vessi shoes, all the shoes have features such as waterproof, comfortable, and elegant so that your feet will be in the best condition. In addition, all the above have antibacterial insoles to reduce the growth of fungus and bacteria in the shoes.

But for now, let’s just keep your feet free from any fungus and let them be as happy and healthy as they can be.

What Is Athlete's Foot?

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Athlete's foot is normally a disease of the skin of the foot which is caused by fungi. It is often referred to as athlete’s foot but its scientific name is tinea pedis and it develops from fungal spores referred to as dermatophytes which are quick to grow in the warm and moist environment provided by shoes. If there is a point in their lives wherein they saw that their feet got itchy, red, and scaly, then they would have experienced it.

The infection manifests in three ways:

• Interdigital (toe web) athlete's foot: This is the most common form of tinea pedis and it affects the feet between the toes, particularly the area between the 4th and the 5th toe. The skin may change its color to become red, brown or pale and may even develop scales, and in some cases it may swell and can develop blisters or cracks. Sometimes it becomes smooth and slippery and may also emit a bad odour.

• Moccasin-type athlete's foot affects the sole of the feet and can also include the heels and sides region. This leads to skin manifestations such as roughness, itching, scales that mimic a moccasin appearance. The skin can become thick and end up with cracks therefore making it painful to continue with the activity. The moccasin-type tinea pedis can also impact your toenails causing them to become thickened, brownish in color, and brittle.

• Vesicular (blisters) athlete's foot: This is rather rare and the condition manifests as bubble like formations on the feet. Such blisters may be painful, and they can be found on the sole, between the toes, or even on the dorsal surface of the feet. This type of fungal infection may sometimes accompany bacterial infection resulting in small red pustules that are swollen and contain pus.

Keeping your feet clean and dry is your best approach to prevent athlete's foot and other infections like toenail fungus. As mentioned, fungal infections like these thrive in damp, dark places, so taking care of your feet and shoes is crucial.

But how does this fungus spread through shoes? Well, when your shoes are damp, it becomes a very conducive area for fungi spores to grow and develop a mold. What this is implying is that if one is not very cautious then the further can very easily spread the infection to the shoes and then back to the feet. Here are some things you can avoid in order not to develop this skin condition:

How to Prevent Athlete's Foot Fungus

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Athlete’s foot is not difficult to acquire; thus it is helpful to understand ways to avoid getting athlete’s foot. Here are our best tips:

1. Prioritize clean and dry feet

It is very crucial that your feet should always be clean and dry at all times. Wash your feet every day with soap and fresh water and do not forget to thoroughly dry them – especially the skin in between your toes. On the same note, do not wear the same socks for long especially if the socks are damp or sweaty because this is a favorable environment for fungus growth.

2. Choose breathable footwear

Select shoes with appropriate upper part for feet to have proper ventilation. With Vessi shoes, there is no reason to fret about any of them! Some of the aspects are the waterproofing, and the breathability of the specific shoes and the overall idea of keeping the feet dry. This is made possible through the special design that enables the circulation of air around the feet thus eradicating athlete’s foot.

3. Protect your feet in public areas

This implies that one should not go to public places bare-footed especially when going to the swimming pool, dressing rooms, etc. However, these are some of the places where certain species of fungi can thrive a little bit, this therefore implies that one should wear something on feet like flip-flops/water shoes when showering.

4. Air out your shoes

The drying of the shoes is also very crucial especially regarding the cleanliness part of the shoe. Finally, another thing you can do is to remove the insoles and simply give your shoes some time of break particularly when the shoes were worn all day or have been used in performing vigorous exercises.

5. Exercise caution in shared spaces

In case one of the members of the household has athlete’s foot, the other members will have to be extra cautious. For example, it is recommended one avoid wearing shoes, socks, or using any articles of clothing that had contacted the spores; and one should make sure the shower or surfaces of the bathroom floor deposit the spores through washing on a daily basis.

6. Avoid wearing the same shoe daily

Doing so can trap moisture and create a breeding ground for fungi. Alternating between pairs gives your shoes enough time to air out and dry completely. Also, store your shoes in a dry and ventilated place. Doing so prevents moisture buildup, which can lead to fungal growth.

7. Wear moisture-wicking socks

To minimise the chances of having a fungus build up in the socks, one should use fabrics like synthetic fibres, wool and bamboo since they take the moisture from the skin and do not encourage development of fungal infections. In most occasions, do not wear cotton socks for they assist in absorbing moisture thus providing an environment conducive for fungi.

Effective Cleaning Techniques to Disinfect Shoes

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The primary remedy for this foot fungus is keeping your feet and shoes clean and dry. So, how can you clean your pair of shoes for the best foot health? Follow these simple cleaning steps to eliminate the fungus and mitigate athlete's foot symptoms:

Step 1: Remove insoles and laces

Firstly, remove items such as foot cushions, which are used to secure your feet into your shoes. This will make the process of cleaning every nook and corner that could be holding the spores of the fungus easier.

Step 2: Mix a cleaning solution

Now, get some mild washing powder and warm water and pour them into a basin or sink sufficiently. It is also important not to use chemicals or bleach while cleaning the shoes because they may damage them.

Step 3: Gently scrub your shoes

Using a soft brush, ensure that you clean the interior and the exterior of the shoes; this should be done with lots of concentration especially on the areas that came into contact with the fungus. This will help in clearing any remaining spores of fungus that may have been left behind hence preventing the reemergence of the disease.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly

This part of the process is very important because if soap is left on the shoes, it may make them look dull when they are dry. Ensure that no soapy residue is left on the surfaces as this may cause the fungus to stick due to the remaining detergent.

Step 5: Dry your shoes

After washing the shoes, it is advised to let them air dry and do not place them in the sunlight or near heat as this causes fading and shrinking of the material. Another reason why having a fan around is crucial is that it helps in the quick evaporation of the water content in the shoes.

Step 6: Clean insoles and laces

Remember to clean the laces and insoles separately. Soak them in the cleaning solution, scrub gently, rinse thoroughly, and let them air dry.

Step 7: Use antifungal spray (optional)

For additional protection, the inside of the cleaned and dried shoes can be sprayed using an antifungal spray. This may help to reduce the probability of subsequent mycoses. There are some products that could be worthy of the investment such as shoe sanitizers based on UV technology that helps to eliminate fungus and bacteria in just a few minutes.

How to Treat Athlete's Foot

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Have you already contracted this foot fungus? Here are some things that could be done regarding the remedy of this condition in athletes.

Tip 1: Explore over-the-counter remedies

There are some types of medicine that can be obtained without a prescription and are effective in treating the infection. Anti-fungal powders, creams, or sprays are used and should have clotrimazole, miconazole or terbinafine in them to tackle the fungus. It is advisable to adhere to specific guidelines and use the treatment for the intended time to maximize on the benefits.

Tip 2: Try home remedies

Here are some homemade treatments to help alleviate athlete's foot:

• Make a foot powder from cornstarch or baking soda to absorb moisture and reduce the growth of fungi.

• Use bitter orange oil: This oil is good for treating fungal infections and can be diluted with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and used topically.

• Add baking soda to a foot soak to help neutralize odour and reduce fungal growth.

• Apply talcum powder to your feet to keep them dry and reduce moisture, which can inhibit fungal growth.

Tip 3: Seek prescription treatments

At times, if the primary course of action comprises of home treatments as well as over the counter remedies, the infection continues to endure. However, if it does not respond to treatment or gets worse, it is important to consult a healthcare professional. If the fungal infection is severe enough, they may prescribe a more concentrated topical or systemic antifungal medication.

Essentially while employing the prescribed treatments, it is always best to follow the doctor’s directives. Continue to take all the prescribed medications to the end even if the signs of the illness are not felt anymore. This will ensure that the illness is no longer dominant and reduce the chances of having a repeat episode.

Tip 4: Wear the right shoes

When dealing with infected feet, here are some key shoe considerations to keep in mind:

1. Choose materials such as mesh or leather to allow free airflow and avoid having sweaty feet.

2. It is also advisable not to wear shoes that have a narrow toe box or have high heels. These designs can worsen conditions such as blisters and calluses in the affected areas.

3. Try to buy shoes with better arch support and shock absorption to help ease the pressure on your feet.

4. Check your shoes are comfortable and not too tight around the shoe as this will cause friction and blisters.

Here are some examples of shoes suitable for infected feet:

• Breathable mesh sneakers

• Leather shoes, like loafers or oxfords

• Supportive and cushioned running shoes

• Wide-width shoes to accommodate swelling or bandages

• Wear sandals with a secure fit and good arch support

Keep Your Shoes Fresh and Fungus-Free with Vessi Insoles

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At Vessi, we have the best solution for preventing sweaty feet and infected shoes: our antibacterial insoles! These insoles also discourages the growth of fungi and bacteria since they create an additional layer to cover.

They are made specifically for inhibiting the growth of bacteria hence they are used for eradicating foot and shoe smell while on the same note retaining the freshness of feet. These insoles if used in shoes will provide another shield so that fungus will not spread to the lower regions of the feet.

Kicking Athlete's Foot to the Curb: Our Final Thoughts

Consequently, it is pertinent to know how athlete’s foot develops and maintain cleanliness of the feet and the overall health of the feet to prevent such a disease affecting the feet. The recommendations provided above assist in decreasing the likelihood of developing fungus through the following: wearing appropriate shoes and cleaning shoes.