5 Ways to Prevent Foot Fungus

Fungal foot infections are incredibly common, but they’re also highly preventable with the right strategies.

At Cascade Foot & Ankle Center in Provo and Nephi, Utah, board-certified podiatric surgeon and wound care specialist Jared Clegg, DPM, FACFAS, and our team help patients understand the specific conditions that allow fungi to thrive and how to disrupt them.

Here are our five top tips for preventing foot fungus and stopping it from coming back for good:

1. Manage moisture levels throughout the day

Fungi need moisture to penetrate skin and establish infections. Your feet produce up to half a cup of sweat daily, creating the perfect environment for fungal growth when trapped inside shoes.

Change your socks whenever they feel damp, not just at the end of the day. Athletes and people who work long shifts should carry extra pairs. Moisture-wicking synthetic materials move sweat away from skin faster than cotton, which holds moisture against your feet.

Get strategic about your footwear

Your shoe selection affects how much fungus your feet encounter and how well fungi can establish infections.

Alternate shoes daily

Shoes need 24 hours to fully dry between wears. Wearing the same pair consecutive days keeps them damp and allows fungi to multiply in the warm, moist environment. Two pairs of quality shoes last longer than one pair worn continuously.

Choose materials that fight fungus

Leather and canvas allow air circulation better than synthetic materials. Mesh panels and perforations increase airflow. Avoid completely sealed shoes unless your work requires them.

3. Be careful in communal environments

Community spaces harbor concentrated fungal populations that easily spread to bare feet. Public pools, gyms, and locker rooms maintain the warm, moist conditions fungi prefer.

Wear waterproof shoes in wet areas

Waterproof sandals or shower shoes create a barrier between your feet and contaminated surfaces. Regular flip-flops offer insufficient protection because fungi can splash onto exposed skin around the edges.

Avoid barefoot contact with wet surfaces

Pool decks and shower floors stay wet throughout the day, allowing fungi to survive longer than on dry surfaces.

Cover your feet in shared accommodations

Hotel rooms and shared spaces can harbor fungi from previous guests. Wear socks or slippers rather than walking barefoot, even in clean-looking areas.

Address underlying health factors that increase risk

Certain medical conditions make your feet more vulnerable to fungal infections regardless of hygiene practices.

Diabetes complications

Diabetes reduces circulation and immune response in your feet. Daily foot inspections are essential for early detection.

Immune system vulnerabilities

Immunosuppressive medications reduce your ability to fight off infections. Discuss additional prevention strategies with our team.

Excessive sweating

Heavy sweating creates constant moisture that repeatedly changing your socks can’t control. Prescription antiperspirants can reduce sweat production enough to prevent fungal growth.

Eliminate cross-contamination sources in your home

Fungal spores survive on surfaces for months and can reinfect your feet even after successful treatment.

Wash socks in hot water above 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Lower temperatures don’t kill spores effectively.

Replace or disinfect items that contact infected feet:

Nail clippers and files
Pumice stones and foot files
Bath mats and towels
Slippers and house shoes
Shower caddies and soap dishes

Clean shower floors with antifungal cleaners weekly and steam clean carpets and rugs in bedrooms and bathrooms to kill embedded fungi that vacuuming misses.

Book preventive foot care in Provo or Nephi, Utah

Consistent prevention strategies can keep your feet fungus-free throughout the year. Call Cascade Foot & Ankle Center or schedule an appointment online to discuss personalized prevention plans that fit your lifestyle and risk factors.