Do not visit any gyms, public pools, or public bathing areas until your infection is cured.
Make sure that you are always wearing some kind of footwear when you are out in public, especially in places like locker rooms where more people tend to go barefoot. [5] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Do not share any personal items such as clothing, towels, shoes, socks, makeup, deodorant, or anything else that you use or wear on your body.
You won’t need to keep your children home from school if they have a fungal infection. However, you will have to cover the area and inform the school. Don’t cover the area too tightly. It is important to keep the area cool and dry as you treat the fungal infection.
You should also change your socks if they get sweaty because this will increase the chance that athlete’s foot will spread.
If you are at home, and no one you live with has athlete’s foot or any other fungal infection, you can go barefoot to keep your feet cool and dry. If your socks are sweaty or wet you should change them as soon as possible. If you find yourself away from home, keep a few clean and dry pairs of socks with you to prevent the chance of you having to go any period of time with sweaty or damp socks on your feet. Always dry your feet off completely after washing them. When getting out of the shower or after washing them off, make sure to rub dry in between your toes especially with a clean towel before you get dressed or put on socks and/or shoes.
Try wearing a different pair of shoes each day to allow the shoes some time to dry in between uses. You can also sprinkle talcum powder in your shoes to help deal with moisture. If you’re unable to have or can’t afford to have several different pairs of shoes, try to at the very least have up to two pairs so that you’re able to switch off to one or the other every new day. If you already have contracted athletes foot, then it helps to have or add into your variety a pair of sandals or open ventilated shoes to give your feet that extra bit of time not confined solely to shoes that must require the need for socks (note that you should also never wear shoes without socks such as tennis shoes, sneakers, etc. for that enables the perfect humid and sweaty conditions that athlete’s foot bacteria lives in and grows progressively). Find shoes that allow air to reach your feet. This will help keep your feet dry and reduce your risk of developing athlete’s foot. Don’t share shoes with other people. Sharing shoes increases your risk of developing or spreading athlete’s foot. Avoid shoes that are too tight, as this can increase how much feet sweat and leaves little to none ventilation for your feet.
If you’re using a public shower, always wear sandals or flip-flops. You should always wear some kind of footwear in a fitness center. Wear some water shoes if you visit a public pool. You can go barefoot at home, as long as no one else in your house has athlete’s foot.
If you have a high risk of athlete’s foot, try using an antifungal powder daily can help your feet stay cool and dry. Talcum powder can be applied to help prevent perspiration, keeping feet dry.
Make sure that any salon that you visit is licensed by the state health department. Ask how the nail tools are sanitized between uses. The tools should be heat-sanitized with an autoclave to kill all of the germs and bacteria. Other methods are not as effective. Never get a manicure or pedicure if you know that you have nail fungus. You may spread it to the nail technician. Tell the nail technician not to push back or trim your cuticles. This increases your risk of infection. Wash your hands before a manicure and request that the nail technician does the same. The nail technician should also wear gloves. Request a liner for the whirlpool bath or bring your own if you know that the salon does not provide them.
Keep your nails trimmed short and keep them dry. Wash your hands and feet regularly. Remember to use soap. If you have nail fungus, avoid touching anything after touching your nails, as this can spread the fungus.
Wear shoes that allow for airflow. Don’t wear socks that cause your feet to sweat. Look for bamboo or polypropylene socks and avoid cotton. Change your socks often. Don’t share shoes or socks with anyone. Alternate which pair of shoes you wear from day to day. Wash your socks in warm or hot water with detergent.
Don’t pick or chew your fingernails. Take care of any cuts or injuries near your nails.
If you already have nail fungus, do not try to cover it with nail polish. This will only worsen the infection.
To reduce this risk, use plastic wrap or a dental dam during oral sex. [21] X Research source
It is important to wash underwear in warm water and soap — cold water washing in the sink does not remove or diminish yeast Do not wear pantyhose. Pantyhose also increases your risk of developing a yeast infection.
Don’t use any scented sprays or products since it can cause more yeast infections. Avoid douching since it can eliminate natural bacteria and increase your risk of infection.
Some good stress relief techniques include yoga, deep breathing, and meditation.
Only pick up pets you know and occasionally check them for ringworm. Do not handle wild or stray animals as they may carry many diseases, including ringworm. Check your pets for ringworm. Ringworm can look like a small hairless patch, with red skin. Sometimes your pet may not have any symptoms, so always wash your hands after handling them. Ask your veterinarian to check your pets for ringworm if you suspect they may have it.
Wash your hair well by massaging shampoo into your scalp. Avoid sharing any hats or hair care items with other people. Use anti-dandruff shampoo if you are prone to dandruff. While some people can tolerate daily shampooing, for many people this dries out the scalp and can actually increase the risk of infection. You may think it is best to shampoo every day, but pay attention if your scalp seems dry.
Shower regularly and wash thoroughly. Wash your hands throughout the day to keep them clean. Always fully dry off whenever you wash.
Avoid giving any personal items, such as clothing or a hairbrush, to other people. Always wash your hands after touching any infected areas. Touching the area and then touching another person can spread the infection.
