How to Prevent Recurrence of Fungal Foot Infections

Arm and feet stretching sit down yoga pose

Have you ever suffered from foot fungus? If you have, you’re not alone. Foot fungus, such as athlete’s foot and fungal nail infections, is something that most of us will experience at least once in our lifetime.

It’s very easy to pick up foot fungus (also known as ‘athlete’s foot’), as it thrives in moist, damp atmospheres such as showers, bathrooms and gym changing rooms. It’s persistent, too – research shows it can survive for up to six months in shoes, rugs and flooring [https://www.ipfh.org/foot-conditions/foot-conditions-a-z/toenail-fungal-infection/causes-of-toenail-fungal-infection].

If you are suffering from foot fungus, you’ll be pleased to hear that there are lots of safe, natural remedies to help get rid of it [https://sanjeevita.com/blogs/news/home-remedies-for-foot-fungus-that-really-work]. But once it’s gone, how can you stop foot fungus from returning?

Preventing recurrence of foot fungus

There are lots of simple steps that you can incorporate into your daily routine that will help to stop foot fungus from returning.

1. Inspect your shoes and socks

Fungi love damp, warm conditions (think of mushrooms growing in the dark!) and so below are a few recommendations to guide you in preventing any future infections.

The first thing to do is take note of what you’re wearing on your feet. Tightly fitting shoes that don’t allow feet to breathe can create the perfect dark, damp conditions for foot fungus to thrive, so opt for shoes and socks made from natural materials.  

 

Hung canvas shoes dry under sunlight

 

If your shoes do get damp from sweat, dry them before re-use in sunlight, when possible. Disinfecting them regularly will also help, as will alternating pairs to give them time to dry out.

 

Snow shoes and insoles drying under sun

 

Wear a new pair of socks every day, preferably a cotton blend that allows your feet to breathe and wicks away sweat. When you wash your socks, make sure you use hot water. A normal 40°C wash isn’t enough to kill the fungus [https://www.podiatrytoday.com/blogged/do-socks-harbor-fungal-pathogens] – opt for a wash that’s 60°C or higher to really get rid of any spores.

 

Socks drying under sun on a clothesline

 

It’s also good to aerate your feet by going barefoot as often as possible, so take off your shoes and socks when you get home and let your feet enjoy some light and air!

Barefoot on grass

2. Take care of your feet

Once you’ve sorted out your footwear, it’s time to look at your feet. It’s good to get into the habit of cleaning your feet each evening when you get home, using a mild soap or cleanser.

Scrubbing foot wash

 

Our Micellar Saponin Deodorizing Foot Cleanser [https://sanjeevita.com/collections/featured-products/products/micellar-saponin-foot-cleanser] is a wonderfully cooling gel that you can rinse off or leave on. It is full of plant-derived ingredients that are renowned for their cleansing and moisturizing properties. This patent pending cleanser is powered by ingredients that not only offer a gentle deodorizing cleanse to remove sweat and dirt, but our laboratory tests also demonstrate their inhibitory effect on dermatophytes such as trichophyton interdigitale and trichophyton rubrum that cause fungal foot infections.

Carefully dry your feet after every bath or shower, especially in between the toes. Microbes feed on dead skin, so gently exfoliate 1-2 times a month to remove dead skin and moisturize immediately to avoid skin hardening. Further, to protect skin against dryness and dehydration, apply a skin conditioner such as our Neem Patchouli Lemongrass Foot Repair Balm [https://sanjeevita.com/collections/featured-products/products/foot-repair-treatment-balm-for-dry-cracked-heels] – it’s packed with nourishing and soothing ingredients that will make your feet feel wonderfully pampered and cared for. In laboratory tests neem oil has been shown to be effective against 14 types of fungi, including trichophyton, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234637/].

You can also use our Micellar Saponin Deodorizing Foot Cleanser to freshen up on-the-go if you find your feet are getting a little sweaty during the daytime.

3. Avoid fresh sources of infection

Finally, there are a few easy precautions you can take to avoid picking up new foot fungus.

As mentioned above, foot fungus loves pools and locker rooms, so always wear foot protection such as flip flops when you’re visiting these places.

 

Woman sitting on a bed clipping toe nails

 

Never share footwear and foot care items, such as pumice stones, with others. Always clean and disinfect nail clippers before and after use to prevent the spread of foot fungus. Trim nails straight across and smooth the edges with a file. If you visit a nail salon, select one that uses sterilized foot care tools for each customer. [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294]


Please note, if your fungal foot infection persists after attempting treatment and prevention, consult a pharmacist or doctor for further advice.


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