Copper Compression Socks and Athlete’s Foot: All You Need to Know

What is Athletes Foot (Tinea Pides)?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot, is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It requires a warm and moist environment and usually affects people with sweaty feet confined within tight-fitting shoes.

The symptoms of athlete's foot include dry, scaly skin between the toes that stings, itches and burns. The infection is contagious and can spread through contaminated clothing, towels or floors.

Although Athlete's foot can be treated with over-the-counter anti-fungal medications, the infection recurs often. Prescription medications are also available to treat this infection.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by indirect contact with contaminated floors, shoes, socks, bed sheets, and towels or from direct contact with an infected person. Athlete's foot is caused by a number of different fungi, including species of Epidermophyton, Trichophyton, and Microsporum. These fungi are normally present on the human skin and are harmless as long as the skin is clean and dry. But, under warm and damp conditions, they reproduce rapidly to cause an infection. 

Some of athlete’s foot causes are:

• Wearing tight shoes can trigger athlete’s foot because when toes are tightly squeezed together, they create an ideal condition for the fungus to grow. Plastic shoes are more likely to cause athlete’s foot compared to other materials like leather or canvas.

• Athlete’s foot commonly spreads around swimming pools and communal showers – these places are generally humid and warm.

• Damp socks and warm feet put you at risk of developing athlete’s foot.

• People with poor or compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to developing athlete’s foot.

How Can Copper Compression Socks Help in Athlete’s Foot

Now that we understand that athlete’s foot is all about moisture, there are moisture-wicking socks available that can keep your feet clean, dry and odour-free. When your feet are clean and dry, there are fewer chances of developing athlete’s foot. Copper compression socks are designed to wick away moisture and prevent fungal growth. Thus, eliminating or controlling the ideal growing environment that exists inside a shoe. Copper compression socks are the best socks for athlete’s foot and also against other fungal and bacterial infections.

Benefits of Using Copper Compression Socks When You Have Athlete’s Foot

Anti-inflammatory

These copper anti-fungal socks are helpful in inflammatory cases of athlete’s foot. The anti-inflammatory properties of copper soothe any form of swelling in the feet.

Non-invasive treatment of athlete’s foot

Copper compression socks for the treatment of athlete’s foot is completely non-invasive. All you have to do is replace your regular socks with copper compression socks.

Moisture-free

We know now that moisture increases the chance of developing athlete’s foot and also increases the progression of the condition. Copper socks for athlete’s foot contain anti-moisture molecules that prevent moisture and keep your feet dry and clean throughout the day.

Help get rid of odour due to fungal infection

Fungal infections are known to release bad odour. Wearing copper compression socks can help get rid of this bad odour.

Anti-microbial effect

Several studies prove the efficiency of copper socks in infectious conditions, including bacterial and fungal infections. Therefore, most podiatrists recommend copper socks for several foot conditions, including athlete’s foot.

 A study was conducted on a college football team that involved them wearing socks infused with copper fibres. The players diagnosed with athlete’s foot were asked to wear copper compression socks during their practice and workout sessions. Over 8 weeks period, almost every player reported that they experienced a reduction in symptoms. After 8 weeks, several players experienced no symptoms at all. Studies have reported that a high concentration of copper embedded in textile fibres can kill 99.9% of the athlete’s foot-causing fungus within 12 hours.

Through the study, it does appear that socks infused with copper ions can help prevent athlete’s foot and also other fungal conditions of the foot. For more information on the study, click here.

Other Tips to Prevent Athlete’s Foot:

Keep the feet clean & dry

Wash your feet with soap and water. Dry them properly.

Use anti-fungal powder

After drying the feet completely, especially between the toes, put anti-fungal powder or talcum powder and wear the socks. Make use of a hairdryer to ensure your feet are completely dry.

Take medication

Over-the-counter medication containing ketoconazole, oxiconazole, naftifine, clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine, or terconazole can provide you relief from the symptoms. If your condition doesn’t improve, consult a foot care specialist.

Change shoes

If you wear shoes every day, consider alternating between different pairs. This will allow your shoes to dry before you wear them again.

Wash apparels

Wash the bedding, towels and socks in hot water. You can also use disinfectant wipes or sprays to disinfect your shoes.

Avoid walking barefoot

If you are using public amenities like pools, gyms or locker rooms, do not walk barefoot. These common areas are warm and moist and are perfect breeding grounds for the fungus. Wear sandals or flip flops to ensure your bare feet do not touch the floor.

Don’t share your belongings

Do not share your socks, towels, linens or bed sheets with others, especially with the ones infected with athlete’s foot. Anti-microbial bed sheets are recommended since bedsheets are breeding grounds for bacteria, fungus, and viruses, causing allergies and illnesses.

Key Takeaways:

• Pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria, viruses, and parasites are known to cause infectious diseases, which can spread through direct or indirect contact from one person to another. Copper-infused in compression socks kills these pathogenic microorganisms and hence plays an important role in preventing the spread of these microorganisms.

• The key to treating athlete’s foot is to get rid of moisture, darkness and heat as much as possible.

• Wearing sports shoes, leather shoes, work shoes or boots creates a conducive environment for the fungus to grow. Wearing copper anti-fungal socks is one of the ways to prevent fungal growth.

• Copper embedded compression socks are known to promote Angiogenesis - the formation of new blood vessels, thus rejuvenating the skin through the synthesis of collagen and elastin. This helps to clear off the skin patches that form as a result of the fungal infection.

• Bad foot odour is a result of a mixture of sweat and bacteria. The copper-infused compression sock keeps your feet odour-free.

• The fabric used in copper compression socks is super-soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. This ensures maximum comfort while keeping your feet dry and clean throughout the day and at night.

• The anti-inflammatory properties of copper present in the compression socks soothe the aching feet & muscles. The compression gently squeezes your legs to move blood up and helps prevent leg swelling and provide relief from chronic vein problems and oedemas, and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Conclusion

Copper compression socks can help you with athlete’s foot. If the symptoms do not subside even after wearing these anti-fungal socks for a week, see your doctor. Your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal medications to get rid of the infection. If you have athlete’s foot and diabetes, make an appointment to see your doctor, especially if you have signs of a secondary bacterial infection, which can cause nerve damage.

Helpful Source:

1. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/261244
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/athletes-foot
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/athletes-foot/symptoms-causes/syc-20353841
4. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/understanding-athletes-foot-basics
5. https://www.medicinenet.com/athletes_foot/article.htm