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How To Maintain Proper Healthy Feet And Clean Shoes

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Humid climates are breeding grounds fungal infections, Singapore is one of the most humid countries in the world. The most common source of fungal infections is through footwear.

Tineapedis infections often manifest as:

Discolouration of the nail – it may turn white, black, yellow or green
Thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim
Pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger
Brittle or crumbly nails – pieces may break off and come away completely

As many as half of all nail disorders are due to toenail fungal infection, and the condition affects about 14 percent of the population, according to a study published in the July 2014 issue of The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.

Ways To Preserve Your Shoes In A Humid Climate:

DIRT-FREE AND DRY – Make sure the shoes are dirt free and dry. Wet and dirty shoes may be more likely to lead to fungus growth.
VINEGAR AND SIMPLE GREEN – Mix one part vinegar with one part water. Moisten a soft cloth with the mixture and use it to wipe the surface of the shoes clean. If the mold and mildew persist, spray the surface with Simple Green and wipe away with a clean, soft cloth.
DAMP RID – Damp Rid can be purchased from specialist stores or online. Placing a packet inside the shoe closet will remove moisture from the environment and reduce build up of mildew or other fungal infections.
SILICA GEL – Silica gel can be purchased from craft stores or hardwear stores around Singapore. Simply place it in a small sachet and set in shoes when not in use to absorb excess moisture.
ESSENTIAL OIL DROPS – Possibly slightly left field but we have heard positive results, if you hang your shoes in closet, add some drops of essential oil to the inlay. Often mildew found where there is a cluttering of items. It helps not hanging up anything damp, and leaving the closet opened when possible if only for a couple hours a day.
ANTI-FUNGAL SPRAYS – To prevent fungal infections and smelly feet- Bromhidrosis -of footwear fungal powders can be sprinkled into the shoes following use on a daily basis.
STORE WITH ACID-FREE PAPER – Roll up acid-free paper and place in the shoe. If you’re storing shoes for long periods of time, stuffing shoes with paper helps them retain their shape. Acid-free paper is best, since paper that contains acid can damage shoe materials. Avoid using newsprint, since it could discolor your shoes.
CEDAR SHOE TREES/BALLS – Use shoe trees for your best shoes. If you have a pair of nice leather shoes, store them with shoe trees so they stay in tip-top condition. Shoe trees made out of cedar keep shoes smelling fresh, and they also repel moths and other bugs.
DO NOT USE MOTHBALLS – Mothballs are made with toxic chemicals. Instead of using mothballs, store your shoes with cedar balls or cedar shoe trees. Cedar naturally repels moths, is nontoxic and leaves shoes smelling fresh.
KEEP YOUR LEATHER SHOES OUT OF PLASTIC – Don’t store leather shoes in plastic. Leather and suede shoes need to be able to breathe while they’re in storage. Wrapping them in plastic could increase risk of mold formation… Always wrap leather shoes in acid-free tissue instead of plastic.