Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a minor fungal infection that usually affects the skin between the toes, causing it to become red, itchy and flaky. People who play a lot of sports tend to be prone to the condition -- hence the name -- but wearing the right sneakers can help prevent athlete's foot.
What's in a Name?
The reason sporty people are susceptible to athlete's foot is because the fungus is contagious and tends to thrive in gym showers and changing rooms. It also likes warm, moist places -- like your feet when you're exercising. Anyone can develop the condition, but it's most common in men and teenagers.
Good Fit and Good Ventilation
Ventilation holes in sneakers are vital for ensuring air gets into your shoes and, therefore, reduces the risk of athlete's foot, advises the Instep Foot Clinic. It's also important that your sneakers fit well. Tight-fitting shoes encourage the condition because they squeeze your toes together and prevent air from circulating. Look for sneakers that have a wide and deep toe box to ensure your toes are not squished and have enough room to move when the shoe is on.
Caring for Your Sneakers
The athlete's foot fungus not only grows on your feet, but can also take up residence in your sweaty sneakers. There's no point treating your feet if you're going to put your infected sneakers back on. To ensure your shoes dry out completely, you should leave them to air for 24 hours between wears, removing insoles and unlacing them fully to allow the air to circulate throughout the shoes.
Treatment and Prevention
Besides wearing good-fitting, well-ventilated sneakers and airing them after every use, try one of a number of topical treatments for athlete's foot. In most cases, an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream, powder or spray will kill the infection within a few days. To help prevent the condition in the first place, avoid going barefoot in public changing rooms and showers, and keep your feet clean and dry.
