The most effective method for preventing fungal skin infections is maintaining good hygiene. Some important tips include:

• Keep skin clean and dry. Hands and feet should be washed with soap and dried thoroughly after bathing or swimming, especially between the toes.
  
  
• Wash hands immediately after touching an infected nail or area of skin. This can help prevent the spread of fungus from one area to another.
  
  
• Wear clean socks and underwear every day. Change socks at least once a day. People who sweat a lot should change their socks more frequently.
  
  
• Wash socks, towels and bath mats at high temperatures (140 degrees Fahrenheit [60 degrees Celsius] or higher).
  
  
• Alternate shoes daily to let them air out. Shoes should also be taken off sporadically throughout the day, especially after exercise.
  
  
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Shoes that are well ventilated (e.g., open toe shoes) and shoes made of natural material, such as leather, are preferable to those that are lined with plastic. Shoes should also provide good support and have a wide toe area.
  
  
• Avoid rough-textured, chafing clothing.
  
  
• Do not use other people’s personal items, including:
  
  
• • Clothes
  • Towels
  • Sports equipment
  • Toiletries
    
    
• Clean frequently. Showers or bathtubs should be sanitized often with bleach. Bathroom floors and other floors that are frequently walked barefoot on should also be cleaned regularly.
  
  
• Use only facilities that are cleaned and disinfected daily, including:
  
• • Locker room
  • Gymnasium
  • Public swimming pool
    
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places (e.g., public shower, public pool). Instead, wear flip-flops or sandals.
  
  
• Maintain a healthy weight.
  
  
• Use topical antifungal powders as needed.
  
  
• Treat illnesses promptly.

Additional prevention methods include:

• Keep fingernails and toenails short. Nails should be cut straight across and thickened areas should be filed down. Avoid trimming and picking at the skin around the nails.
  
  
• Use a separate nail trimmer and nail file on healthy nails and infected nails.
  
  
• Bring a personal set of instruments (e.g., nail trimmers, nail files) to nail salons.
  
  
• Wear gloves. People should wear 100 percent cotton gloves when doing dry work, and  waterproof gloves when doing wet work (e.g., washing dishes).