It’s a scene from many teens’ daily lives: the locker room. You go to your locker before gym class or sports practice, and take off your street shoes. You put on your sneakers – they’re still a little damp from running in the rain yesterday, but who cares? After practice you strip down for a shower, and walk across the damp floor. You shower and dry off with the towel that’s still damp from the last shower you took. Getting dressed you throw on the same socks you wore all day and for practice. They’re sweaty but you hardly notice because your feet are still wet from the shower and the locker room floors.

Does this sound like a scene from YOUR life? If so, you’re at risk of getting a fungal infection. There’s a reason why the fungal infection that affects your feet is called “athlete’s foot!” Walking barefoot in a damp locker room, sweating a lot, and wearing moist or sweaty socks and shoes are all dangerous for your feet. Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are two common infections that people develop. Unfortunately, it’s pretty hard to avoid if you spend a lot of time working out and playing sports. But it’s really important to do what you can to keep your feet healthy, as the consequences can be pretty ugly.

If you know anyone with a fungal infection on their feet or toenails, you know how uncomfortable or unsightly they can be. Athlete’s foot causes itching and scaly or red patches. Toenail fungus can turn your nails all sorts of weird colors, and causes thick or brittle nails. Not exactly what you want to see the next time you wear flip-flops or sandals!

The good news is that it’s never too late to start taking care of those feet!! You just have to know how. Read on under “DEFINED” and “SYMPTOMS” if you think you have signs of a fungal infection. You can also find tips for preventing and treating athlete’s foot and toenail fungus under “TREATMENTS.” Spread the word to peers in your gym class or on your sports teams as well.