Why Do I Keep Getting Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot is uncomfortable and can be embarrassing. Your feet might feel itchy, your skin might crack, and you might be worried about spreading it to other people. It isn’t an ideal situation.

Fortunately, athlete’s foot can usually be treated with an antifungal cream or medication. Unfortunately, it’s also prone to coming back. 

Joseph DiMenna, DPM, and our team want to help you avoid this recurring problem. In addition to offering treatment to clear athlete’s foot, we want to help you learn how you can prevent it. 

If you begin to see signs of this infection, see us at Family Foot and Ankle Center of South Jersey in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. We can help heal your feet.

Then, use this guide to help you understand why the problem might keep coming back and how you can prevent it from happening again. 

Reasons you might keep getting athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection. It isn’t unlike mushrooms, another type of fungus, in that it thrives in damp areas. With that in mind, let’s review some of the most common reasons people get recurring athlete’s foot. 

You walk around barefoot in damp areas

Athlete’s foot is a common infection, and people around you could have it without you knowing it. If they walk somewhere damp, the fungus behind the infection can live on the floor, waiting to jump to your foot. 

If you keep getting athlete’s foot, think about areas where you walk barefoot. Locker rooms and pools are particular culprits. 

Your feet sweat a lot 

Fungus loves damp, dark environments — like your shoes. If you don’t wear breathable footwear and you notice that your feet get sweaty, you could be creating a perfect environment for athlete’s foot to thrive. 

You share shoes, towels, or socks with other people

Athlete’s foot is highly contagious. Sharing items like these gives the fungus the opportunity to jump from another person to your feet. 

You weren’t able to fully get rid of the infection

If your infection comes back quickly, there’s a chance you never fully cleared it in the first place. 

Tips to lower your risk of athlete’s foot

It’s fairly common to deal with recurring athlete’s foot, and we want to help you avoid this scenario. With that in mind, Dr. DiMenna and our team put together some tips to help:

• Dry your feet thoroughly after the shower, especially between your toes
• Always wear shoes in public spaces, especially damp ones
• Choose breathable footwear
• Carry a spare pair of socks to change into when your feet get sweaty
• Refrain from sharing shoes, towels, or socks with other people
• Try not to wear the same shoes two consecutive days
• Wear cotton socks
• Wash your towels regularly
• Make an appointment to see us when you notice the symptoms of athlete’s foot

Seeing a foot health specialist like Dr. DiMenna means you get targeted care. He can help you make sure you fully clear the infection so you don’t have to deal with this problem popping up again soon.

For the foot care you need, call our team at 856-667-8222 to book an appointment.