Athlete’s Foot - Prevention

Here are some tips to prevent getting fungal infections: 
- Use separate towel to dry feet. Do not share towel with other people. 
- Keep feet clean and dry. 
- Fungus thrive well in moist environments so keep feet clean and dry to create an unfavorable environment for fungus.  
- Change socks every day. 
- Alternate shoes. 
- Give your shoes a chance to air out before wearing them. 
- Ventilate feet as much as possible. 
- Consider foot powders, and odor-controlling insoles. 
- Wear protective footwear such as sandals and flip-flops in at risk places—such as in community pools and public gyms. 

References: 
1. Newton, Gail and Nicholas G. Popovich. APhA Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs: Chapter 43 Fungal Skin Infections. 16th Edition, Washington DC: American Pharmacists Association, 2009. 
2. Berman, Kevin. Athlete’s foot, tinea pedis. May 2011. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/imagepages/2468.htm. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
3. Berman, Kevin. Athlete’s foot. May 2011. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000875.htm. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
4. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. Nov 2010. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/athletes-foot/DS00317. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 
5. WebMd. Athlete’s Foot. June 2010. Available at: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/tc/athletes-foot-topic-overview. Accessed on October 7, 2011. 

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