Do Specific Socks For Athlete's Foot Help? (Solved)

If you have itchy and cracked skin between your toes, you may be dealing with athlete's foot. This fungal infection is quite common and leaves you with a burning sensation. A common question we get is whether socks designed for athlete's foot can actually help. Let's explore this topic by starting from the top.

What Is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in warm and moist environments, like sweaty socks and shoes. It typically shows as cracked, dry, or scaly skin between and around your toes. It’s called “athletes” because they’re the most likely demographic to develop the condition, but anyone can be affected.

What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot commonly derives from tinea fungus. A species of fungus that thrives in humid environments, like public locker rooms, showers, gyms, and swimming pools.

Do know athlete’s foot is contagious and can quickly spread from person to person if left unchecked. It transfers primarily through physical contact with an infected individual or contaminated object, like dirty socks or a towel. Thankfully the color of your socks has little impact,  despite the common myth.

Should I Wear Socks If I Have Athlete's Foot?

It’s best to let your feet breathe, so we recommend giving your feet regular breaks throughout the day so they can air out and breathe. Those who work with others, as opposed to working alone at home, should keep their socks on at work.

Can Socks Help With Athlete’s Foot?

Specially designed socks have proven effective at minimizing the spread or helping recover from the athlete’s foot, with the most effective types having antifungal and moisture-wicking properties.

Do Antifungal Socks Work?

Antifungal socks are a real and effective way of combating not just athlete’s foot but other fungal-based infections, like toenail fungus. Socks that include antifungal properties usually have antibacterial or antimicrobial properties, dramatically improving your overall foot health. Especially if they’re made of copper.

Do Socks Block Athlete's Foot?

You can wear socks to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading athlete’s foot. But, keep in mind socks are one of the largest contributors to athlete’s foot. So we recommend buying a pair of specially formulated antimicrobial and moisture-wicking socks. You can see our top picks here.

What Socks Are Best For Athlete's Foot?

Copper compression socks are the best socks for Athlete’s foot. The copper-infused fibers have antimicrobial properties, preventing or neutralizing athlete’s foot before it even starts and even aid in the healing process.  White also improving circulation, our socks keep your feet dry due to the patented  TransDRY process and natural cotton fiber.

How To Treat Athlete's Foot

• Wash your feet twice daily with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Apply an antifungal cream or ointment to the affected areas as the product label directs.
• Wear clean, dry socks every day, and avoid synthetic socks as they can trap moisture and worsen the condition.
• Let your feet breathe by wearing open-toed shoes or sandals whenever possible. Don't share personal items like towels or shoes with others, and refrain from walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools.
• If over-the-counter antifungal products don't improve your condition, see a doctor for prescription-strength medication.
• Keep your feet clean and dry, and change your socks and shoes as soon as possible if they get wet.
• Treating athlete's foot promptly will help prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your body and others.

Should I Put Socks On After Applying Athlete's Foot Cream?

We recommend waiting at least 15 minutes for your foot cream to dry so the skin can absorb it before putting socks on. However, you won't need foot cream if you're wearing copper socks. Thanks to the antimicrobial properties of copper, copper socks treat athlete's foot at the source by eradicating the fungus.

Helping you save money and live fungi-free for a one-time investment.

Should You Wear Socks to Bed If You Have Athlete's Foot?

We strongly recommend wearing socks to bed if you have athlete’s foot. Thanks to the contagious nature of athlete’s foot, the last thing you want to do is accidentally give it to your partner or contaminate your bedding.

Conclusion: How Socks Improve Athlete's Foot

Proper socks can greatly improve the condition of athlete's foot, providing relief and aiding in the healing process. Choosing the right type of socks is crucial in managing this fungal infection, with the best including moisture-wicking and antifungal properties. Moisture-wicking socks draw moisture away from the feet, keeping them dry and preventing fungal growth. While the antifungal property neutralizes fungi before it can snowball into a problem.