Why You Should Consider Using A Blow Dryer On Your Toes After Your Shower
As a kid, when your mother told you to clean all your nooks and crannies when taking a shower, getting your feet completely dry probably wasn't really something that crossed your mind. You're going to make sure you're as clean as possible and step out of the shower ready to go for the day. But what about your feet? Between the bathmat and wiping them off with a towel, most people assume they're dry. However, that's not the case.
If there's one thing we know about the human body is that there are thousands of organisms on you at all times. So, while we're not really thinking about it, a lot of things can cause infections and health issues, even when we're being as clean as possible. Therefore, when it comes to drying your toes, why is it so important? And why does an expert suggest doing it thoroughly with a hair dryer? Here's what we know.
Using a blow dryer on your feet might save you a future headache
To make sure you don't give foot fungus a breeding ground for infection, dry them with a blow drier. "Using a blow-dryer is something that I came up with to combat fungus infections of the feet and nails," Dr.Ivar Roth from Concierge Podiatry and Spa told Self. This is because moist environments attract fungi.
The prime time for foot fungus to thrive is in the same 30 minutes you'd typically let them air dry. In fact, foot fungus usually starts in those very moist spots. Luckily, the blow-drying hack only takes a minute or so, of course, leaving the bacteria less time to do damage.
Keep in mind, you don't always need to catch a fungal infection because, according to WebMD, there are as many as 80 different kinds of fungi coming in contact with your feet. The reason we're not all walking around with infections is that they're not all bad. However, foot fungus is brought on by germs, which reside in various parts of your body, including your nails. If you leave the fungus on your feet to breed, you have a higher chance of an infection.
What are other ways to prevent foot fungus?
Unfortunately, athlete's foot is known to many individuals, usually impacting 25% of people at some point in their lives, per WebMD. It can be irritating, feel uncomfortable, and can even spread to other parts of the body or other people through the bed sheets, floors, and shared showers. If you're sensitive to heat or don't want to waste energy on a hairdryer, sports podiatrist Dr. Lori Weisenfeld told Self that using tissue between the toes will do the trick. Keep in mind, a dirty towel can spread the fungus.
If you're worried you have a foot fungus, be sure to check for indications, such as areas of discoloration, particularly any white smudges on the nail, or if you notice the nail becoming thicker, according to Dr. Roth via Self. As for the skin, signs to look for include rough and scaly patches.
Luckily, the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) reported that it's pretty easy to prevent foot fungus. Aside from cleaning and drying your feet every day, be sure to avoid walking barefoot, especially if you're using communal showers, like at the gym or a college dorm, and keep powder handy in your locker or gym bag to keep your feet dry from sweating, among other things.