Keep your socks on this summer!
According to a recent report, the trend for wearing loafers without socks has caused a surge in fungal foot infections. In the last year sales of foot hygiene products have shot up by 11%.
That’s because not wearing socks causes sweat to seep directly into the shoe's leather, which turns the inside into a breeding ground for bacteria.
This, combined with high moisture levels, can trigger the itchy fungal infection known as athlete's foot. This is a condition that causes red, scaly, itchy, cracked skin – especially in the spaces between the toes. It can infect the nails and make them yellow and bacteria can set up a secondary infection that can make the foot red and swollen.
Wearing the right socks can help absorb sweat and keep feet dry. People should use cotton over nylon, and make sure they are changed daily to avoid a build-up of bacteria. It’s also useful to alternate between different shoes to ensure that they have ample time to dry off in between use.