Warm weather means long, lazy days at the pool and hours spent outside enjoying the warm weather. Unfortunately, for many people, the beautiful weather also brings a case of athlete's foot. Marc Goldberg, D.P.M.; Christopher Farnworth, D.P.M.; Michael Frank, D.P.M.; and Adam Lowy, D.P.M.; your Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton, Kensington, MD podiatrists, shares some information on this common 
condition and explains how you can prevent it.
What causes athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in dark, moist places. The warm weather provides the perfect environment for the growth of the fungus.
Why do I keep getting athlete's foot?
The contagious fungus that causes athlete's foot is commonly found in popular summer spots, such as swimming pools, public showers and locker rooms. If you spend a lot of time at the community pool every summer, you and your fellow swimmers may be sharing more than just the pool.
When your feet remain wet for long periods of time, as they do when you are at the beach or pool, you provide the perfect environment for the fungus. Sweaty feet, a hazard of hot weather, can also increase the risk that you'll develop athlete's foot.
What can I do to prevent athlete's foot?
You can reduce your risk of catching athlete's foot fungus by:
- Wearing flip flops or sandals in common areas at pools and in locker and shower rooms
- Drying your feet thoroughly, including the area between your toes, after you shower or swim
- Changing your shoes every day, since sweaty shoes need more than one night to dry out thoroughly
- Using anti-fungal powder on your feet
- Avoiding sharing towels, shoes or socks with other people
- Choosing socks that are made out of cotton, wool or synthetic materials that wick sweat away from your feet
- Changing your socks throughout the day if they become sweaty
- Wearing open shoes or shoes made of breathable materials, such as canvas.
Contact Your Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton, Kensington, MD Podiatrist
When your athlete's foot won't go away no matter what you do, your foot doctor can help. Call Marc Goldberg, D.P.M.; Christopher Farnworth, D.P.M.; Michael Frank, D.P.M.; and Adam Lowy, D.P.M.; your Silver Spring, Olney, Clinton, Kensington, MD podiatrists, at (301) 924-5044 to schedule an appointment.