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There's a lot you can do to keep from getting athlete's foot.

Keeping your feet clean and dry is your best protection. To do this, you should:^{1 2 3 4 5}

• Take off your shoes at home and let your feet air out.
• Wear sandals when you can.
• If you have diabetes, you can let you feet air, but don't walk around barefoot or in open shoes.
• Always take off sweaty sports shoes when you are done using them.
• Put on clean socks every day. Washing socks kills the fungi that cause athlete's foot.
• Wear cotton, silk or wool socks rather than synthetic (nylon) ones.
• Wear shoes made of leather or canvas. These let your feet air out more than plastic shoes.
• If your shoes are sweaty or wet, let them dry out before you put them on again.
• After you take a bath or shower, dry your feet carefully, especially between your toes.
• Never walk barefoot in public areas such as changing rooms. Wear flip-flops, sandals or shoes made to be worn while swimming.
• If you've had athlete's foot, spray the inside of your shoes with a spray to kill the fungus (called an antifungal).
• Never borrow other people's shoes.
• Never share towels with other people.
• Check your pets for patches of hair loss, and ask your vet to do the same. If your pet is losing hair, it could be a sign of athlete's foot. You can catch athlete's foot from your pets, and if you don't treat them you can get the infection again.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.