Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. This condition often causes itching, redness, and peeling, primarily between the toes or on the soles. Many with athlete’s foot wonder if fungi linger in shoes, potentially causing re-infection. Understanding fungal behavior in footwear is important for effective management and prevention.
Fungal Survival in Footwear
The fungi responsible for athlete’s foot, known as dermatophytes, can indeed survive in shoes. These organisms thrive in environments that are dark, warm, and moist, making the inside of a shoe an ideal habitat. Fungal spores can remain viable in footwear for weeks or months. Contaminated shoes can act as a reservoir, risking re-infection even after foot treatment.
Shoes made from non-breathable materials like plastic, rubber, or synthetic leather can trap sweat and moisture, creating a humid environment where dermatophytes multiply rapidly. Wearing the same pair of shoes daily without allowing them to dry out also contributes to fungal accumulation. Dead skin cells and sweat within shoes provide a nutrient source, increasing fungal survival and re-infection risk.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Shoes
Eliminating fungi from shoes is a practical step in managing athlete’s foot and preventing its return. Antifungal sprays or powders specifically designed for footwear can be applied inside shoes, ensuring they dry completely before being worn again. For washable shoes, laundering them in hot water with a disinfectant or antifungal laundry detergent can help eradicate fungal spores. It is important to allow these shoes to dry thoroughly, ideally in sunlight or a well-ventilated area.
Sun exposure can also help reduce fungal growth by drying out moisture within shoes. Another method involves using UV shoe sanitizers, which employ ultraviolet light to kill fungi and bacteria inside footwear. For shoes that cannot be washed, freezing them in a plastic bag for at least 24 hours is an alternative approach to help kill the fungus.
Preventing Re-infection
Preventing the recurrence of athlete’s foot involves a combination of proper shoe care and personal hygiene. Regularly rotating shoes allows them to air out and dry completely between wears, disrupting the moist environment fungi prefer. Opting for moisture-wicking socks, which draw sweat away from the feet, can also help maintain a drier environment inside shoes.
Thorough foot hygiene, including washing and drying feet completely after showering or getting wet, particularly between the toes, is also a significant preventive measure. Avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas like public showers or changing rooms can prevent exposure to fungal spores. These habits, combined with diligent shoe disinfection, contribute to a comprehensive strategy for preventing athlete’s foot from returning.