How to Prevent Fungal Diseases

Most fungal diseases occur on skin, on the bottoms of feet or under fingernails and toenails. Common fungal infections include ringworm, tinea cruris (also known as jock itch), tinea versicolor and athlete's foot, and can be cured with oral or topical anti-fungal medications prescribed by your doctor or available over the counter. Over-the-counter anti-fungal medications include Lotrimin AF and Lamisil.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-fungal cream
• Anti-fungal spray
• Flip-flops
• Cotton socks
• Cotton clothing

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Instructions

• 1

  Wear flip-flops in public pools and shower areas. If you use the gym shower or go to the pool often, do not go barefoot in public areas. Doing so can cause foot, fingernail and toenail fungus.

• 2

  Wear loose-fitting clothing. If you are prone to jock itch or tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin, wear loose, cotton clothing that you can wear comfortably. Avoid dark, tight, polyester clothing.

• 3

  Wear white cotton socks and change them daily. Do not reuse socks and underwear without washing, and avoid wearing socks to bed.

• 4

  Spray your shoes with an anti-fungal spray as a preventative measure. If you wear athletic shoes or dark-colored shoes, spray them daily with an anti-fungal spray to prevent athlete's foot and toenail fungus.

• 5

  If you feel itchiness on your skin or feet and think it might be fungus, apply an anti-fungal cream like Lotrimin as a preventative measure. Place a dime-sized amount of Lotrimin on the palm of your hand and rub it into your skin with your fingertips twice a day. Continue until the itching stops.