As summer rolls around, you might find yourself tempted to ditch your shoes every now and then. But can spending more time barefoot lead to toenail fungus infections? This blog will try to answer your concerns today. We will also address the implications of going barefoot, according to podiatrists? By and large, podiatrists recommend avoiding it.
Expert opinion on Being Barefoot
Podiatrists generally agree that the only places you should be barefoot are at home, at the beach, or on your own yoga mat. When you walk around barefoot in public places you are exposing yourself to fungal spores. These spores can start growing on your nails and cause a nail fungus infection. Places to avoid are public pools, saunas, locker rooms, and gyms.
However, preventing nail fungus is not the only reason podiatrists recommend against being barefoot. There are other germs and pathogens in the environment besides fungus that can cause diseases. These are bacteria, viruses, and even parasites. For example, tapeworms and ringworms are parasites that you can commonly catch in water bodies. These parasites can make you severely sick.
Protection is Key
Wearing footwear also acts as protection against injury. Podiatrists often see patients coming in for injuries that have come about from stepping on something inadvertently, and the risk of injuring yourself on rocks or glass increases when you are barefoot. Wearing shoes also improves posture, and since bad posture can result in back, foot, hip, and knee problems, wearing shoes is an easy step you can take to prevent more serious problems down the line.
However, while podiatrists advise against going barefoot, you should not be slapping on any old pair of shoes. It is important to wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and allow for your feet to breathe. Wearing shoes and socks that are too tight will cause sweating, ultimately creating a moist environment for toenail fungus to thrive in.
If you are already suffering from toenail fungus, one of your licensed podiatrists can help you with laser treatment using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. Call us today to schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors in Long Island, NY.
