Athlete's Foot

• The fungus that causes athlete’s foot is a mold-like strain that is very contagious, and is most often picked up from going barefooted in places where people with the fungus have walked or stood (swimming pools, showers, bathrooms, saunas, fitness centers, etc.). It can also be harbored in mats, rugs, clothes, linens, and footwear. The fungus is very resistant and can live on surfaces for up to 6 months.  
   
• The infection can also be spread by skin-to-skin contact between humans, and even between humans and household pets.
   
• The fungus thrives in dark, moist environments such as those created by thick, tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions also promote fungal growth; and plastic shoes in particular provide a favorable environment for fungal growth and infection.
   
• People with weakened immune systems are particularly susceptible to athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

Sources: MayoClinic.com; Medline Plus [National Library of Medicine / National Institutes of Health]
 

The Integrated Fitting Solution™  (consisting of Thorlos® engineered padded socks, an insert or orthotic as necessary, and properly designed and fitted shoes or boots) helps provide protection against athlete’s foot:

• The Thorlos engineered padded sock is the first and key component of the Integrated Fitting Solution. Thorlos thick cushion activity specific socks are made with proprietary THORLON® acrylic yarns. Properly fitted with an activity specific shoe, they provide moisture management capabilities, wicking moisture away from the foot to keep it from being damaged and to help minimize the growth and retention of athlete’s foot fungus (to read more about the peer reviewed published medical research conducted with Thorlos engineered padded socks click here). Thorlos allow the feet to move more naturally while protecting them from the shoe. The acrylic fibers provide moisture wicking properties that help maintain an optimal environment (warm and moist) for the skin of the feet (not too wet, but also not too dry). Thorlos also protect and cushion feet that have already become inflamed or irritated due to athlete’s foot.
   
• Inserts that help wick moisture can assist in controlling moisture to help diminish the probability of the harboring of athlete’s foot fungus.
   
• Properly designed and fitted shoes or boots will have uppers that assist in evacuating moisture, helping avoid the wet environment that harbors athlete’s foot fungus. Also, well-designed footwear will have few seams and raised areas that can cause pressure points or rub the skin and irritate feet that have already been affected by athlete’s foot.
     
• As always, proper fitting of the three components, as a system, of the Integrated Fitting Solution helps assure minimal pressure, friction and shear on the skin of the feet. Click here to view tips for proper fitting

Check the feet at least a few times a week, especially between the toes, to see if there are any indications of athltete’s foot. If you have diabetes, you should check your feet EVERY DAY.

Try to minimize going barefooted, especially in public places. Wash feet well and be sure to dry them off after bathing, especially between the toes.

If you do get athlete’s foot, most cases can be treated effectively with over the counter topical medications. Most cases of toenail fungus do not respond well to topical treatments (although there is anecdotal evidence of the benefits of some “homeopathic” topicals), and are best treated with oral medication prescribed by a physician.
 

• Secondary infections are a possibility with athlete's foot.  
   
• Allergic responses are possible as well. Subsequent to an episode of athlete's foot, proteins can enter the bloodstream, leading to an allergic reaction that may cause an eruption of blisters on the skin.
   
• Athlete’s foot is particularly dangerous for people with diabetes and diabetic foot issues. Since the fungus can cause blisters, lesions and open sores, the insensitive diabetic foot is particularly vulnerable to damage as a result of athlete’s foot. People with diabetes who contract athlete’s foot should see a physician.

Remember, ALWAYS consult your physician if you have soreness, pain, redness, swelling or other indications of problems in any area of your feet that persist for more than a few days, particularly if you have invested in a properly fitted Thorlos Integrated Fitting Solution.  If your feet do not feel better, Thorlos offers a money back guarantee on all engineered padded sock products (the guarantee does not cover shoes and inserts).

Read more about athlete’s foot here:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/athletesfoot.html