Sweaty feet and foot fungus

Sweaty feet is a very common problem.  After all, feet are often forced into a hot confined space with an insulating sock on.  You’d sweat too.

What to do about it

Run!  No, that would make your feet sweatier.  So, instead, apply the same technology to feet that has been applied to underarms; deodorant/antiperspirant.  Apply a thin layer to the soles and the backs of the feet each morning after washing with antibacterial soap (such as Lever 2000).  You’ll still have some moisture, but your feet will stay comfortable and nearly odor-free.

Foot fungus  Tinea pedis (athletes’ foot)

Foot fungus can be a recurring problem for susceptible persons.  Fungus like to grow in warm, moist environments.  The goal in reducing foot fungus is to keep feet as dry as possible.  Along with antiperspirant, there are other measures to reduce the warm, wet conditions that keep fungus among us.

•    Go barefoot and wear breathable shoes as much as possible.
•    Wash your feet with antibacterial soap.
•    Wear light colored cotton socks.  If the cotton socks get wet, it is important to change them, because they will stay wet.  Synthetic socks typically are warmer and cause more sweating, although they wick better than cotton.  If you are wearing breathable shoes, synthetics are a better choice. 
•    Air out your dogs, and change socks during the day if they become moist.
•    Spray your shoes with Lysol (which kills the most common foot fungus) weekly...it seems to work for bowling alleys.
•    Alternate shoes so that they have time to dry out between wearings.
•    Use Lamisil AT on your feet periodically to keep killing fungus.   Why Lamisil AT?  Its over-the-counter, and kills fungus rather than just keeping it from growing like some other  "athletes’ foot" treatments.
•    See your dermatologist if these measures aren’t enough to keep fungus at bay.