Our feet experience a lot of wear and tear, every day. It is our responsibility to keep our feet safe.

We often purchase the most trendy and stylish footwear to make our feet look good, but do we maintain good foot hygiene to reduce the risk of infections?

Foot infections are fairly common in people worldwide. That’s because fungi are present everywhere.

Here at Joseph Stuto, DPM, we want our patients to be proactive when it comes to the health of their feet. We urge our patients to adopt a good foot care regimen to reduce the risk of infections, stop them from recurring and also prevent them from spreading across your body or to others.  Some of the most common foot infections are athlete’s foot, fungal nail infections, and ingrown toenails.

Here are some key steps you should consider taking to help prevent or stop recurring infections on your feet.

1. Avoid walking barefoot: One can easily contract an infection from walking barefoot at communal areas or at home. Furthermore, anyone who has an infection should not be walking barefoot as they may contaminate the floor they walk on, exposing others to bacteria and fungi. If you have poor circulation or diabetes, you may even have a harder time fighting off these infections by walking barefoot. Wear flip-flops or sandals if necessary.
2. Daily foot wash: Maintain good foot hygiene by washing your feet regularly to avoid bacteria and fungi from settling in. Dry your feet properly, especially between the toes before you put on some socks and shoes. As bacteria and fungus breed and grow in warm, dark and moist settings, ensure that your feet are clean and dry.
3. Wear well-fitted shoes: One of the best ways to keep foot pain and infections in check is to wear supportive and comfortable shoes. Your activity decides the type of footwear you should wear. Avoid wearing worn-out and tight-fitted shoes as they can damage your skin, allowing infections to creep in. Also, try to avoid wearing someone else’s shoes.
4. Wear clean socks: To prevent infections, it’s essential that you wear clean and dry socks. Wear cotton or woolen socks that wick away moisture from the feet.
5. Trim your toenails: The best to way to look after your toenails is to cut or file them straight across. Do not cut your nails too short or from the sides to avoid ingrown toenails.
6. Use medication: Use timely medication such as antibiotics or anti-fungal ointments to prevent infections from spreading, as prescribed by your foot and ankle doctor.

If you are experiencing any unusual foot pain or infections, call Joseph Stuto, DPM of Brooklyn, New York. Our podiatrists Joseph A. Stuto and Joseph C. Stuto will help best treat your foot infections. Call (718) 624-7537 to schedule an appointment.