How to Clean or Dispose of Shoes After Treating Athlete's Foot

After curing athlete's foot, how should the shoes worn during the treatment period be handled?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask whether I need to throw away my leather shoes and sneakers that I wore while having athlete's foot after I recover.
If I don't need to discard them, what is the best way to clean them? Thank you for your help.

benson, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/03/22

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology

The focus is not on the shoes, but on whether foot hygiene and cleanliness are being maintained.
As long as shoes are rotated and kept dry, that is sufficient.

Reply Date: 2022/03/22

More Info

When it comes to managing shoes after recovering from athlete's foot (tinea pedis), it's important to understand that while the primary focus should be on maintaining foot hygiene, the shoes themselves can harbor fungi that may lead to reinfection. Therefore, cleaning or disposing of shoes is a valid concern for anyone who has dealt with this condition.

Do You Need to Dispose of Your Shoes?
In most cases, you do not need to throw away your shoes after recovering from athlete's foot. However, if the shoes are heavily contaminated or if they have been worn extensively during the infection, it may be wise to consider replacing them. Shoes that are old, worn out, or have absorbed a lot of moisture can be more difficult to clean effectively.

Cleaning Your Shoes
If you decide to keep your shoes, here are some effective cleaning methods:
1. Washable Shoes: If your shoes are machine washable, follow the manufacturer's instructions. Use hot water and a detergent that has antifungal properties. Adding a cup of white vinegar to the wash can also help eliminate odors and kill fungi.

2. Non-Washable Shoes: For shoes that cannot be washed in a machine, you can clean them using the following methods:
- Disinfecting Sprays: Use antifungal sprays specifically designed for shoes. These sprays can help kill any remaining fungi.

- Alcohol Wipes: Wipe the insides of the shoes with alcohol wipes or a cloth soaked in isopropyl alcohol. This can help disinfect the surfaces.

- Baking Soda: Sprinkle baking soda inside the shoes and let it sit overnight. Baking soda absorbs moisture and odors, which can help reduce the risk of reinfection.

- Drying: Ensure that your shoes are completely dry before wearing them again. Fungi thrive in moist environments, so keeping your shoes dry is crucial.

3. Socks and Foot Hygiene: Always wear clean, dry socks, preferably made of moisture-wicking materials. Change your socks daily, and if your feet sweat excessively, consider changing them more frequently. Make sure to wash your socks in hot water and dry them thoroughly.

Additional Foot Care Tips
- Foot Hygiene: After treating athlete's foot, maintain good foot hygiene. Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

- Moisture Control: If you have sweaty feet, consider using foot powders or antiperspirants designed for feet to help control moisture.

- Regular Check-ups: If you notice any signs of reinfection, such as itching, redness, or peeling skin, consult a healthcare professional promptly.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is not always necessary to dispose of shoes after recovering from athlete's foot, proper cleaning and maintenance are essential to prevent reinfection. Focus on keeping your feet clean and dry, and ensure that your shoes are disinfected and moisture-free. If you have persistent issues or concerns, it may be beneficial to consult a healthcare professional for further advice and treatment options.

Similar Q&A

How to Disinfect Items After Hosting a Friend with Athlete's Foot?

If a friend with athlete's foot visits your home, should you throw away the slippers they wore, or is there a way to disinfect and clean them? Additionally, I noticed that while sitting on the sofa, they occasionally touched their feet on various surfaces. What should I do a...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Clean thoroughly, wipe dry, and keep it dry.

Effective Soaking Solutions for Dry Athlete's Foot: Expert Advice

Recently, it has been raining continuously, and my athlete's foot has recurred, possibly due to my shoes being damp. I would like to ask Dr. Chang if there are any solutions for soaking athlete's foot. I have dry athlete's foot, but the effect of soaking with dilut...

Dr. Zhang Zhibo reply Dermatology
Hello: Topical medications for athlete's foot can be in the form of creams, solutions, or oral medications, depending on the condition and treatment response. Any method that allows for timely and continuous treatment is a good approach. Undecylenic acid is an older medicati...

Preventing Athlete's Foot: Tips to Avoid Fungal Infections at Home

I have had athlete's foot for several years. Previously, using topical medications and soaking in antifungal powder helped, but it didn't last long before it returned. Today, when I woke up from sleeping on the sofa, I found my feet buried in freshly washed clothes and ...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Mold spores are everywhere, and the key factors are the cleanliness of the skin and whether it is kept dry.

Persistent Foot Odor: Understanding Bacterial Infections and Treatment Options

Hello Doctor, I visited a dermatology clinic at the end of July due to an odor coming from my feet. My feet appear completely normal, and I maintain good hygiene, including exfoliation. It is not one of the four types of athlete's foot, there is no itching, no nail fungus, a...

Dr. Wu Yuxin reply Dermatology
Would you like to see a dermatologist directly, as I really don't know what the main issue is?