Transfer within the family/to partners

Athlete’s foot is a very contagious infectious disease of the skin with a skin fungus (dermatophyte). Athlete’s foot is the most common skin fungus disease in Central Europe. Skin contact can lead to transmission of the infection.

Especially people who have close contact are at risk of infection. In a partnership, close physical contact poses a risk of infection. The sharing of towels, bed linen or clothing that has had contact with the infected feet can also lead to transmission.

Within families, it is often the case that a towel is accidentally shared or there is other contact with a source of infection. A common example is when children sleep in their parents’ bed. Via the bedding, the athlete’s foot can thus spread within a whole family.

Furthermore, the floor is a source of infection, as many people walk barefoot. However, there is a danger for roommates, family or partners to get infected. Sharing a shower also poses a risk of infection. Therefore, especially if several people live in one household, hygiene measures must be observed. These include avoiding contact with the affected feet, changing the laundry frequently and using towels separately.

How can you avoid infection?

There are some measures and behaviors that can prevent infection with athlete’s foot. Athlete’s foot spreads mainly where the skin is moist and warm. Therefore you should always make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after showering or sports.

The spaces between the toes are often forgotten, although this is where athlete’s foot can settle. Facilities such as swimming pools, sports clubs and gymnasiums, fitness studios, saunas, camping sites or hotel rooms are places where there is an increased risk of athlete’s foot infection. In your own interest you should not walk barefoot there, but wear shoes or slippers.

Especially sanitary facilities should not be entered barefoot. Wearing cotton socks and leather shoes can also prevent athlete’s foot and is preferable to synthetic materials. The shoes should also fit well and not be too tight, as otherwise small wounds on the feet can occur.There are also various sprays and powders that can be used to treat shoes and socks if you have a tendency to sweaty feet.

Socks should always be changed daily, as this minimizes the risk of infection. Towels and bed linen should be cleaned regularly. It is also advisable to wash bed linen, towels and bath mats at temperatures above 60°C. Good foot care is especially important for diabetics, who have an increased risk of infection. Professional foot care is advisable in this case.