Taos Toes: Altitude Lies About Summer Foot Fungus?
By Franklin Everett ShawThe dry desert air of Taos, New Mexico, might seem like the last place you’d expect to find a thriving fungal colony between your toes. Yet, the combination of high altitude, active lifestyles, and shared facilities creates a perfect storm for athlete’s foot. Don’t let this common ailment ruin your hiking trip or hot springs soak.
Taos, nestled high in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, presents unique challenges. The altitude, typically around 7,000 feet, leads to increased sweat production as your body works harder. This excess moisture, combined with the rapid evaporation in the dry air, can create a microclimate of dampness within your shoes, ideal for fungal growth.
Consider the popular Williams Lake hike near Taos Ski Valley. The strenuous climb to the alpine lake guarantees sweaty feet. Then, factor in the communal showers often used by hikers afterward.
This is a recipe for disaster.
So, how do you protect yourself from athlete’s foot in this seemingly paradoxical environment? It’s all about understanding the specific conditions and adapting your prevention and treatment strategies.
Here’s your high-altitude, desert-adapted guide to kicking athlete’s foot:
Prevention: Building a Fungal Fortress
Footwear is Key: Choose breathable hiking shoes or sandals. Look for materials like mesh or leather that allow air circulation. Avoid synthetic materials that trap moisture.
Sock Strategy: Ditch the cotton socks. Opt for moisture-wicking socks made of merino wool or synthetic blends. These materials draw sweat away from your skin, keeping your feet dry. Carry an extra pair of socks and change them mid-hike if needed.
Powder Power: Apply antifungal powder to your feet and inside your shoes before putting them on. Zeasorb-AF is a great option, readily available at Taos pharmacies like Smith’s or online. It absorbs moisture and contains an antifungal agent.
Shower Savvy: Public showers are breeding grounds for fungus. Always wear shower shoes or flip-flops in communal showers at trailheads or campgrounds. Dry your feet thoroughly with a clean towel after showering, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes.
Shoe Rotation: Don’t wear the same shoes every day. Allow your shoes to dry completely between uses. Consider using a shoe dryer or stuffing them with newspaper to absorb moisture.
Antifungal Spray: Regularly spray the inside of your shoes with an antifungal spray. This helps kill any fungus that may be lurking inside. Look for sprays containing tolnaftate or miconazole.
Treatment: Kicking the Fungus to the Curb
Early Detection is Crucial: Athlete’s foot often starts with itching, burning, or stinging between the toes. If you notice these symptoms, start treatment immediately.
Over-the-Counter Antifungals: Topical antifungal creams are usually effective for mild to moderate cases. Look for creams containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine. Apply the cream to the affected area twice daily, following the instructions on the package. Lamisil AT is a popular and effective option.
Soak It Up: Soak your feet in a solution of water and Epsom salts for 15-20 minutes each day. Epsom salts can help dry out the affected area and reduce inflammation.
Keep it Dry: Continue to practice good foot hygiene, even while treating the infection. Keep your feet clean and dry, and change your socks frequently.
When to See a Doctor: If your symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of over-the-counter treatment, or if the infection is severe, see a doctor. You may need a prescription-strength antifungal medication.
Common Mistakes and Pitfalls in Taos
Ignoring the Dryness: Many people assume that because Taos is dry, they don’t need to worry about moisture. However, the combination of sweat and rapid evaporation creates a unique challenge.
Relying on Sandals Alone: While sandals can help with ventilation, they also expose your feet to more dirt and debris, which can irritate the skin and make it more susceptible to infection.
Sharing Towels: Sharing towels is a surefire way to spread athlete’s foot. Always use your own towel and wash it frequently.
Not Treating Shoes: The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can live in your shoes for months. If you don’t treat your shoes, you’re likely to get reinfected.
Stopping Treatment Too Soon: Even if your symptoms improve, continue treatment for the full recommended duration to ensure that the infection is completely eradicated.
Product Recommendations for Taos Adventurers
- Zeasorb-AF Antifungal Powder: Available at Smith’s and Walgreens in Taos.
- Lamisil AT Antifungal Cream: A readily available and effective treatment.
- Merino Wool Socks: Smartwool and Darn Tough are popular brands.
- Shower Shoes: Simple flip-flops will do the trick.
- Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak: A natural alternative with antifungal properties, available at local health food stores like Taos Mesa Market.
By understanding the unique challenges of the Taos environment and following these prevention and treatment tips, you can keep your feet healthy and happy, allowing you to fully enjoy all that this beautiful region has to offer. Don’t let a little fungus spoil your adventure.