Ben Wang, July 28. Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection caused by dermatophytes—microscopic fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. It often occurs when feet are sweaty and enclosed in non-breathable shoes or socks for long periods. Many people wear leather shoes at work during the summer, keeping their feet trapped inside for hours. This lack of ventilation leads to excessive sweating, and the accumulation of sweat and dead skin between the toes creates an ideal breeding ground for fungi, resulting in foot odor, itching, and frequent infections.
If your feet tend to sweat a lot, it’s important to choose loose, breathable shoes. Avoid wearing tight or airtight footwear like sports shoes or rubber shoes for extended periods. Make sure to clean your shoes regularly and avoid wearing them without socks. Opt for cloth shoes or sandals whenever possible. Also, pay attention to shoe quality—low-quality shoes may contain harmful chemicals or dyes that can cause allergic reactions, such as redness, irritation, or itching on the skin.
Many young people like to wear shoes without socks, which is not a healthy habit. Socks help absorb sweat and reduce friction, so going barefoot in shoes increases the risk of injuries, infections, and even fungal growth. The areas of the feet that touch the shoes directly can become white and more prone to fungal infections. People with allergies to leather or rubber should especially avoid this practice.
Fungal infections are highly contagious. If left untreated, athlete's foot can lead to self-infections such as jock itch or hand ringworm, and it can easily spread to others. The fungus responsible for athlete's foot is very resilient—it can survive in temperatures as low as -6°C and even withstand high heat up to 120°C for over 10 minutes. It can remain active for more than a year after being shed from the body. Therefore, the flakes of skin that fall off during an infection are a major source of transmission.
In summer, the warm and humid conditions create the perfect environment for fungi to grow. The feet have a high concentration of sweat glands, and when enclosed in shoes and socks, the sweat doesn't evaporate easily. If you don’t wash your feet regularly or have excessive sweating, the fungus thrives and spreads quickly. This makes it easy for infections to pass through public slippers, shared bath towels, or communal showers. It’s best to avoid sharing personal items like towels, shoes, or socks with someone who has a fungal infection.
If your feet or toes are itchy, avoid scratching them with your hands to prevent spreading the infection. Proper treatment is essential. Athlete's foot is a chronic condition, and it may take 2–4 weeks of consistent treatment to fully eliminate the fungus. Stopping treatment early can lead to relapses. Antifungal medications are typically used, but some people mistakenly use corticosteroid creams, which can worsen the condition. It’s best to consult a dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment. For severe cases, doctors may recommend antiperspirants like 0.5% aluminum acetate or 5% citric acid solutions to control excessive sweating.
Prevention is key. A strong immune system helps protect against athlete's foot, so maintaining good health is crucial. Keeping your feet clean and dry is the most effective way to prevent both the initial infection and recurrence. Wash your feet daily with mild soap, avoiding alkaline products that can irritate the skin. After washing, pat your feet dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. If you must wear non-breathable shoes for work, try to give your feet a break whenever possible.
High humidity and heat can make "Hong Kong feet"—a term commonly used for athlete's foot—extremely uncomfortable. This fungal infection thrives in warm, moist, and acidic environments. In summer, it becomes a real issue for many. To say goodbye to athlete's foot, it's important to maintain good hygiene, wear appropriate footwear, and seek professional medical advice when necessary.
Other tips to keep your feet healthy include:
- Reuse old shoes wisely instead of throwing them away.
- Keep your shoes well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup.
- Clean matte surfaces of shoes properly.
- Use breathable, antibacterial socks to avoid bad odors.
- Understand the hidden functions of sports shoe heels.
- Reduce the sound of high-heeled shoes with simple techniques.
- Choose safe shoes during pregnancy, not just flat ones.
- Learn how to deal with moldy shoes.
- Be aware of the risks of wearing certain shoes in the summer.
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