How To Treat Foot Fungus (And Make Sure You Never Contract It Again)

We try to avoid using the ‘F’ word here at beautyheaven but sometimes we have no choice but to just come out and say it: foot fungus. Or more formally known as ‘athlete’s foot’. But don’t be fooled, you don’t need to be a gym junkie to be blessed with this itchy infection. No? No. All you really need to qualify is having a foot, some skin and a toenail (or 10). This article suddenly feels more relevant than when we kicked off, doesn’t it?

However, while you might be at risk of contracting a nasty case of foot fungus, we’re here to ease your mind and walk you through some easy ways to kick it to the curb.

What is foot fungus?

Also known as athlete’s foot (or ringworm of the foot and tinea pedis), foot fungus is a fungal infection of the skin that causes scaling, flaking and itching.

What causes foot fungus?

Foot fungus is a contagious growth that typically thrives in humid conditions. Main culprits for causing an infection are damp socks and shoes, as well as contaminated surfaces like towels and floors (even red carpets, looking at you Kristen Stewart). Those who walk barefoot in public areas (particularly warm and wet areas) are at high risk of infection; think locker rooms, saunas, public pools and showers. In saying that, those who frequently wear enclosed footwear are equally at risk.

What kills foot fungus best?

Topical treatments

For a quick and effective treatment of foot fungus, seek out an anti-fungal cream with the active ingredient clotrimazole. A topical ointment will work to relieve common side effects of athlete’s foot like itching, burning and scaling.

bh loves: Neat Feat Natural Antifungal Foot Spray ($11.39 at Chemist Warehouse) and Canesten Athlete’s Foot Cream ($14 at Woolworths)

Keep your feet dry

As mentioned, fungus thrives in damp environments. So by keeping your feet dry, you will prevent the fungus from forming, multiplying and spreading. Getting your feet wet for brief intervals is nothing to panic about. In saying that, we recommend steering clear of prolonged exposure to moisture. But do we really need to convince you to change out of those damp socks?

Avoid sharing shoes and towels

We’re hoping this is a rule you abide by anyway but if you’ve previously been open to passing around a towel or shoe, cease immediately (please). Fungal infections are known to live in these environments and can (and will) spread.

Be mindful of pedicures

We’ve all heard a horror story of someone going to a nail salon for a pedicure and winding up with a nasty case of fungus. Don’t let this be you. How? Ensure that your nail technician practices good hygiene and properly sanitises each tool between use. And as a rule of thumb, avoid pumice stones. Even when rinsed, these dead skin buffing tools are a breeding ground for bacteria. Ick.

FAQs

How did I get foot fungus?

Foot fungal infections are usually transmitted in moist areas where people walk barefoot; think the shower at the gym or the public pool (may we recommend a waterproof shower shoe?). Once the fungus has been transmitted, it’ll incubate once your foot is in a warm, moist environment.

Do I have foot fungus?

Symptoms of foot fungus include (as mentioned) scaling, flaking, and itching on your feet. You may also experience blisters and cracked skin, which may lead to pain, swelling, and inflammation.

Is foot fungus different to toenail fungus?

Yes, toenail fungus is a disease of the toenail where the infection causes nails to become discoloured, brittle, ragged, and distorted. Sometimes the infection can cause odours and the nail to separate from the nail bed.

Have you ever had foot fungus? How did you treat it?