How do you know you have foot fungus? What do you do about it? How do you avoid it? It's more common than you think, so take the advice of these 9 points!

One of the most embarrassing moments in life is realizing that you may have foot fungus; also known as athlete’s foot. Most people are embarrassed to talk about it or to even go out with open-toe shoes. One thing to keep in mind is that you are not the only one out there that may have this problem. Amazingly, there are plenty of people that fall into your boat. Although it is not hard to get foot fungus, it is easy to prevent it.

Foot fungus befalls us because we go around barefoot in many public places, such as the beach boardwalks, hotel bathrooms, saunas and swimming pools.  We also sweat on our feet and when there’s no air to dry them off, bacteria can harbor and grow plentifully.

Foot fungus can get really bad, and you know you have it when your toes and nails become discoloured and you find redness and irritation on the rest of your feet.  It is really itchy and can also cause cracking in your skin.  If left untreated, the infection can even start to harm your health in other ways.

Here are 9 tips that will help you keep your feet healthy in the summer season:

1) When you are using public showers, locker rooms, swimming pools or anywhere with a wet floor, be sure to wear shoes or slippers that act as a barrier between your feet and the floor (waterproof flip flops will do). Try to avoid going to these facilities bare foot; a huge number of the population goes to these facilities and you don’t know if someone infected has been stepping on the floors and spreading the bacteria everywhere.

2) Trim your nails regularly. Also, don’t pick at the skin or any hangnails around your toes. This can irritate the nails on your feet.

3) Wash your feet and nails regularly. Make it a habit to keep them clean! When you get out of the shower make sure you dry yourself completely. Fungi love damp areas. Don’t forget to get in between your toes where it’s harder for your skin to air dry.

4) Change your socks daily especially if you sweat a lot. Also, try to avoid wearing the same shoes everyday, again especially if your feet sweat alot. You need to allow your shoes to breathe and so it is a good idea to alternate between different pairs of shoes.

5) Avoid using nail polish to cover up an infection. This will only irritate and make your infection worse since the nail polish will prevent moisture and fungus from escaping your nails.

6) Go to a reputable salons. When you go in for a pedicure make sure the salon sterilizes their equipment after every customer.

7) When touching or medicating an area that is infected, ensure that you wash your hands right away before touching another area on your foot (or anything else for that matter!).

8 ) See your doctor at the first sign of an infection. The sooner you treat the fungi the sooner you will be rid of it.

9) Use a deodorant or powder on your feet to help keep them dry, which will prevent an atmosphere that bacteria would otherwise thrive in.

Just remember when you’re out in the sun enjoying the weather, you still need to be a little precautious!