How To Stay Fungus-Free This Ski Season

The best way to deal with a fungus infection this ski season is to prevent it in the first place. Fungi flourish in dark, moist conditions such as ski boots and sweaty damp slippers. Your first line of defense should be ski boots and socks that keep moisture from your skin. 

Unfortunately, the warmest socks and shoes provide minimal airflow and can cause your feet to sweat. A fungus can form if water gets trapped on your skin for an extended time. So, here we'll discuss tips to stay fungus-free this ski season. 

Tips On Staying Fungus-Free This Ski Season

• Don't wear cotton socks. Cotton can soak up water and keep your feet in a moist environment. Wool is better at wicking moisture away from the foot. If you are allergic to wool or don't like the way it feels, you can use a synthetic material like acrylic instead.

• Wear mesh-topped boots (if able). A mesh upper layer will let your boots breathe better and help remove moisture. But if you're walking through deep snow or other wet conditions, this will backfire and make it easier for water to get into your boots. You should only use mesh if you know your walks will be on snow-free surfaces.

• Choose the Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex is a thin, porous, synthetic material that does an excellent job of keeping water out and letting sweat escape. A Gore-Tex liner is excellent for keeping your feet dry but not warm. If the cold is nasty, you might need thicker socks or more materials in your boots.

You can also safeguard your feet by doing the following:

• Using an antiperspirant spray on your feet. The less sweat your feet produce, the more comfortable you will be throughout the day, and you will be less likely to have foot fungus. 

• Taking care of dryness and cracking. If your feet get dry in the winter, try a moisturizing cream to solve the problem. Even better if the cream contains antifungal capabilities! Just make sure not to over-moisturize your feet. The area between your toes is highly conducive to fungus growth, and too much moisture might be harmful.

• Keep a look out for early detection. Fungal toenail infections frequently go undiagnosed for some time, allowing the fungus to establish itself. Please contact us if you see discoloration on the outer edges, or imperfection on your nail that has not faded after several days (or has become more significant). We can advise you on whether you should begin nail fungus therapy.

Don't let fungus wreak havoc on your feet this winter. Contact Carin Rx for more information on preventing fungal infections or treatment for existing infections that have remained stubbornly established.