Medical Mythbuster: Can Wearing Flip-Flops Protect Against Athlete’s Foot?

By Russell Cournoyer, DPM
Reliant Medical Group Podiatry

We all know that public showers, locker rooms and swimming pools can be breeding grounds for athlete’s foot. That’s because the fungi that causes athlete’s foot thrives in these wet environments. But can wearing flip-flops or shower shoes really help prevent this annoying problem?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Podiatric Medical Association wearing footwear is a proven way to help safeguard your feet from the fungi that can cause athlete’s foot. It’s a good idea to clean your flip-flops or shower shoes after each use. Wiping with a wet towel or rinsing with clean water is usually sufficient. Also, always try to keep your feet as dry as possible, even when you are not at the gym or pool. Taking these simple steps will help protect against the discomfort and inconvenience of athlete’s foot.

Medical Mythbuster: Can Wearing Flip-Flops Protect Against Athlete’s Foot?

About Russell Cournoyer, DPM

When Dr. Russell Cournoyer was a student in college he had a problem with his foot that led him to a podiatrist for treatment. That same visit also led him to eventually choose podiatry as a career. “There’s no doubt that visit sparked my interest in becoming a podiatrist. I just thought it was a very interesting profession on a number of different levels,” he explains.

Dr. Cournoyer believes in evaluating and treating a...

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