If you are
involved in any sort of gym activity, chances are that you have been
exposed to Athlete's Foot. Usually caused by a fungus, this condition
is contagious and gets passed from person to person when an infected
person leaves spores on the floor and a healthy person walks across
that same floor. The fungus can move from the feet to the hands and
genitals. Fortunately, it is preventable, and the symptoms are
generally not life-threatening though they are very annoying.
Ounce of Prevention
Since this condition is caused by a
fungus, you should expect it to thrive in dark, moist places like
most other fungi, and you would be correct. The first thing that you
can do to prevent the condition is to wear cotton socks and keep your
feet dry. Socks that wick the sweat away from the feet are also good.
In either case, you will want to wear a breathable shoe. Some powders
may also help keep your feet dry.
Since the fungus is generally passed in
places like a gym, it is a good idea to keep shower shoes with you
for the locker room and showers. Of course, that means that you also
have to use the shoes in order for them to be effective. You can also
ask about the gym’s cleaning schedule, but you really have no
control over that because employees don’t always follow what is
listed on the schedule.
