Why do I Keep Getting Foot Fungus?

A common fungal infection, Athlete’s foot affects millions of people, including kids and adults. While treatment helps quickly eliminate infections, they can come back. Here’s why recurrent infections happen and what you can do to stop them.

Millions of Americans suffer from foot fungal infections and the itching, peeling, and burning sensations they cause. While most infections clear up quickly with proper medical care, recurrent infections can happen, requiring retreatment to eradicate the fungi and find long-lasting relief.

At Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists, LLC, Joel S Segalman, FACFAS, FACFAO, and Stephen Lazaroff, DPM, FACFAS, help women and men find a solution for recurrent fungal infections, tailoring care based on each patient’s unique risk factors. Here, learn why foot fungal infections recur so you can take steps to reduce your risk.

Incorrect or incomplete treatment

Foot fungus can be challenging to treat. Infections don’t always respond to medications similarly or may require repeat treatments to eradicate the infection.

Other times, treatment is so effective that symptoms clear up rapidly, and some patients may stop using their medication once their symptoms disappear. The problem is that incomplete treatment can leave fungal bodies behind, and eventually, that original infection returns.

That’s why it’s critical to follow your instructions carefully and complete your entire treatment, even if your symptoms have already cleared up.

Inadequate foot care

Keeping your feet dry and clean is one of the most beneficial ways to prevent fungal infections. Be sure to wash your feet daily with mild soap and warm water, drying thoroughly afterward, especially between the toes. Applying a moisturizer before bed can help, too, by maintaining the skin’s protective barrier.

Wearing the wrong footwear

Fungi thrive in warm, damp, dark environments, like close-fitting shoes. To prevent infections, opt for shoes with plenty of room and look for natural materials, avoiding synthetics that don’t allow air to circulate. Choose moisture-wicking socks for an added layer of protection.

Wearing damp shoes or socks

Speaking of shoes and socks, ensure both are dry before putting them on. Damp shoes and socks are breeding grounds for fungi and other germs. Be sure your shoes have plenty of time to air between wearings, and if you can, alternate the shoes you wear to give them extra time to “breathe.” Carry extra socks when you plan to work out or engage in physical activity so you can change into a fresh pair afterward.

Exposure to contaminated environments

Like all fungi, foot fungi love the moist environments around swimming pools, locker rooms, and public showers. When a person with foot fungus walks or stands in these areas, the fungi are transferred to the hard surfaces, waiting to infect your feet when you walk over them. To prevent infections, wear flip-flops or shower shoes in these areas to keep fungus away from your skin.

Contact with infected individuals

Fungal infections are highly contagious, which means it’s very easy to spread an infection from one person to another. Never share shoes, socks, or towels, and apply foot fungal powder regularly to reduce your risk of getting infected.

Underlying medical issues

Fungal infections are also more common among people with specific underlying health issues, including diabetes and medical conditions that weaken the immune system. Immune-suppressing drugs also make you more susceptible to fungal infections. If you have any of these issues, let our team know so we can tailor your treatment accordingly.

Find a solution for recurrent infections

If you have recurrent fungal infections, getting a medical evaluation with our team is the key to improving your foot health and avoiding infections in the future. To learn how our team can help, request an appointment online or over the phone with Performance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Waterbury and Newtown, Connecticut, today.