Study shows that 3% of 15% of the population have athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis). And 15% to 25% of people are likely to have this condition at least once in their lifetime.
Work boots can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus. If you wear the same pair of boots every day, your feet are more susceptible to infection because there is no air circulation which means that sweat remains on the skin or in between toes all day long.
The rubbing from socks also increases this risk factor as it causes blisters when moistened with perspiration. So these two factors combined make an athlete’s foot highly probable if not inevitable without some prevention measures put into place!
Can Work Boots Cause Athlete’s Foot?
Yes- work boots are prone to athlete’s foot because fungus thrives and spreads quickly in warm, damp and dark conditions – making the inside of your work boots the perfect breeding ground.
To prevent this from happening, wear anti-microbial socks as well as using an antifungal powder, that is specially designed for use with shoes, such as Dr Scholl’s Dry Fast Powder which will kill any fungi before it has time to spread throughout their shoe’s lining.
But the good news is…
It’s preventable.
But how do you prevent Athlete’s Foot In work boots? If so, is it possible to do it on your own or you need an expert?
Check out on these thirteen great tips:
How Do You Prevent Athlete’s Foot In Work Boots?
These 13 great tips will help you in your quest of getting rid of athlete’s foot from your feet:
1. Keep Your Feet Dry
Before you put on your boots, ensure your feet are dry. Wipe in between your toes and soles to ensure its wet-free. Wearing boots when your feet are wet, is like inviting fungus to consume your feet. And that’s contrary to what you want.
You can have a separate towel for your feet. And ensure you wash it frequently.
Anytime you remove your boots, dry your feet well.
Related: How to Keep My Feet from Sweating in Boots?
2. Wear Boots With Cotton Socks
Why cotton socks? Because they are breathable and absorb moisture, leaving your feet dry. This keeps the athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis) at bay. A suitable alternative is wool socks.
3. Buy Boots Made Of Leather Or Canvas
An outstanding feature of leather or canvas boots is that they are breathable. This prevents the buildup of heat which causes sweating. The rule of thumb here is to do away with sweat as much as possible.
Because that’s what fungus like. And you want to ensure you thrash them.
Related: Best Breathable Work Boots
4. Wear Boots With Antimicrobial Lining
Boots with antimicrobial lining like –Timberland Pro Men’s Titan 6″ Coffee Soft-Toe Boot – kill and prevent the growth of bacteria and fungus. Consider this feature when buying boots, and your feet will surely thank you.
5. Apply Powder On Your Feet
To get rid of sweat, puff your feet with a generous amount of powder. Do the same to the inside of your boots.
The powder absorbs moisture, leaving your feet dry and comfortable.
6. Avoid Wearing Wet Boots
Wet boots will not only cause your feet to wrinkle and get irritated but will also be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus.
Ensure your boots are dry before you put them on. And on instances where you get caught up in rain and your boots get soaked, immediately remove them when you’re indoors. Wipe your feet dry, then clean and dry your boots.
7. Clean Your Boots
Wash your boots often with detergents. Rinse the inside well, to get rid of all dirt, salts, dead skin and odour. You can also clean using antiseptic liquids, to get rid of bacteria and fungus.
8. Keep Your Feet Clean
When bathing, take time to wash your feet. Use antibacterial soaps or liquids. This keeps your feet from germs and fungus infestation. And healthy.
9. Alternate Your Boots
At least have two pairs of work boots. These will serve you right. So that when you put on one pair, leave the other clean, dry and ready for the following days’ use.
10. Choose The Right Size Of Boots
Choose boots that fit you well and are comfortable. Too tight shoes, squeeze your feet inside, making your feet sweat more, creating a favorable environment for fungus to grow. The right size is key.
Use black tea in warm water
In a bowl of warm water, put a few bags of black tea, then deep your feet for roughly twenty minutes. Do this procedure regularly. The magic is, black tea has some acid that prevents sweat production.
11. Use Antiperspirants
After washing your feet clean and dry, apply antiperspirants. They prevent your feet from sweating. After all, this is what we want to achieve-a clean dry feet free from athlete’s foot.
12. Insert Little Pieces Of Tissue Paper Inside The Boots
Tissue paper absorbs moisture. This makes the interior of the boots dry. Change the tissue paper every day. Newspapers also serve the same purpose.
13. Medical Interventions
In case you have an athlete’s foot, you can implement the above tips. In addition, over-the-counter drugs also play a great deal in treatment.
There are several creams, gels, sprays and tablets to treat this. The condition will clear out within two weeks. But severe conditions call for the attention of a doctor.
How do you get rid of athlete’s foot in boots?
Sprinkle antifungal powder spray like Ting Antifungal Spray Powder for Athlete’s Foot in your boots daily. This will effectively get rid of athlete’s foot in boots.
Final Words
Sweat-free feet are the key to keeping off athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis)
And now it’s clear that you can put on your boots without the worry of getting athlete’s feet. Wearing the right size of clean, and dry leather boots that have an antibacterial lining, and cotton socks is key to preventing your feet from athlete’s foot.
Couple this with keeping your feet clean, dry, powdered, using antiperspirants and inserting little pieces of tissue inside your boots.
Medical interventions are also key through over-the-counter drugs but also seeking the services of a doctor is important, when the condition is worse.
Comfortable and athlete-free feet is all we want and these will do a great deal.
So, what are you waiting for? Implement these tips, and breathe life into your feet.