Fungus Prevention

Re-infection is the most common problem seen with Athlete's Foot Infection and Toenail Fungus Infection. This may be for a variety of reasons.

Fungus reproduce by making spores. Spores can lie dormant for months before the right environment of warmth, moisture, and darkness activates them to grow and reproduce. Spores can lie dormant in your socks, your shoes, your carpet, in showers, in the dirt, etc. Spores are heat resistant and also resistant to many disinfectants.

Recurring and chronic Athlete's Foot Infection or Toenail Fungus Infection can be genetic . Some people have a genetic deficiency in their immune system that makes them more susceptible to skin and nail fungus infections. For these people, ordinary foot hygiene may not be enough.

To prevent reinfection , a combination of good foot hygiene and minimizing the presence of spores at home, in socks, and in shoes will combine to significantly lower your risk of re-infection.

Follow the step-wise approach listed below .

1. Wash your feet daily. Studies have shown as many as 75% of adults do not wash their feet when showering, simply relying on the runoff from the rest of their body to take care of the feet. Wash thouroughly by putting hands to feet with soap and washing and drying well between the toes and under and around toenails.

2. If your feet sweat excessively, wear socks that wick moisture from your skin . Cotton socks absorb moisture but keep it against the skin instead of wicking it away. Wool or acrylic blends are better at drawing perspiration away from the skin.

3. If your feet are still too moist, use a foot anti-perspirant.

4. Use an antifungal foot powder in your socks and shoes.

5. Don't wear the same pair of shoes two days in a row.

6. Bleach your socks.

7. Use an antifungal device or spray to eliminate fungus spores from shoes.