Page 26 - MAYO CLINIC Head to Toe e-magazine 293700

• Have your feet measured

Shoe size can change as you age or put on weight Your arches tend
to relax with age, and you may need larger, wider shoes
• Choose shoes that are comfortable right away
Don’t buy shoes that feel too tight or that you need to “break in ”
They should fit well and feel comfortable when you try them on
27 Staying ahead of athlete’s foot

The fungus that causes this itchy rash thrives in the warm, dark, wet
environment between your toes The key is keeping your feet dry
• Select well-ventilated shoes

Wear sandals, leather shoes or athletic styles that allow feet to breathe
• Alternate shoes
Don’t wear the same pair every day Change wet shoes immediately
Don’t store out-of-season styles in plastic
• Protect your feet in high-risk areas

Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and
locker rooms
• Wear acrylic socks
When wearing closed-toe shoes, wear socks made of synthetic
fibers, such as acrylic or polypropylene, that wick away moisture
Cotton socks tend to absorb moisture from your feet
• Change damp socks

If your feet sweat, change your socks twice a day
• Use antifungal products

For recurring infections, use an antifungal medication such as
clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF, Mycelex), terbinafine (Lamisil AT) or
miconazole (Micatin, Zeasorb) If an infection lasts longer than
four weeks, see your doctor

50 Head-to-Toe Health Tips 25