Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet, often between your toes. It can be itchy and uncomfortable, and it’s easily spread.
One of the reasons athlete’s foot is so persistent is that shoes create an ideal environment for the fungus to thrive. They’re warm, dark, and often moist—perfect conditions for fungal growth.
So, can you get rid of the fungus in your shoes by spraying them with Lysol? Some people swear by it, while others say it’s ineffective or even harmful. Let’s dive into the question: will Lysol kill athlete’s foot in shoes?
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet.
What causes athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that flourishes on skin, hair, and nails.
Fungi love warm, damp environments, so sweaty feet combined with tight-fitting shoes create the perfect conditions for an infection. Athlete’s foot is also contagious, similar to nail fungus. You can get it through direct contact with someone who has it, or by touching surfaces that have the fungus on them, like the floor of a locker room or shower.
What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot usually causes itching, burning, and stinging between your toes, and the skin may crack, flake, or peel. Sometimes, it shows up on the soles of your feet as dry, scaly skin, sometimes with thickening.
Moccasin tinea pedis is a type of athlete’s foot that causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles and sides of the feet.
Treating Athlete’s Foot
If you suspect you have athlete’s foot, there are several ways to treat it, including home remedies like a Listerine vinegar foot soak.
Topical treatments
There are many over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays that can help with athlete’s foot, and options like tolnaftate polish can also be effective. Look for products containing clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine.
It’s important to follow the directions carefully and to finish the entire course of treatment, even if your symptoms improve quickly. The fungus may still be present, even if you can’t see it anymore.
Oral medications
For severe or persistent infections, you may need to take oral antifungal medications. These medications are typically prescribed by a doctor.
It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of oral medications. Liver damage is a potential concern, so your doctor will need to monitor your liver function.
The role of hygiene
Good hygiene is essential for treating and preventing athlete’s foot.
Be sure to wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes. Change your socks frequently, especially if your feet sweat. And wear breathable shoes and socks to help keep your feet dry.
Can Lysol kill athlete’s foot fungus in shoes?
Lysol products contain active ingredients like ethanol and quaternary ammonium compounds that are effective at killing microorganisms by disrupting their cell membranes and wrecking their proteins. But will Lysol kill the athlete’s foot fungus lurking in your shoes?
While Lysol is useful for surface disinfection, it wasn’t designed to be sprayed directly onto the skin.
How to use Lysol in your shoes
If you’re going to try using Lysol in your shoes, here’s how to do it safely and effectively:
- Spray the inside of your shoes thoroughly, paying special attention to the toe and heel areas where moisture tends to accumulate.
- Allow your shoes to dry completely before wearing them again.
- Make sure the room is well-ventilated during and after you spray.
Keep in mind that Lysol can damage certain shoe materials, like leather and suede, so test it on a small, hidden area of the shoe before spraying the whole shoe.
It’s also worth noting that Lysol may not penetrate deeply into the shoe lining, and it may not kill all fungal spores. You may need to spray multiple times.
Limitations and alternatives
Because Lysol wasn’t designed to treat shoes, it may not be a perfect solution. Instead, you may want to try antifungal sprays that were designed to be used in shoes, UV shoe sanitizers, or washing machines (if your shoes can be washed).
Even airing out your shoes regularly can help!
Shoe hygiene and prevention
If you’re trying to avoid getting athlete’s foot, you can’t forget about your shoes. They can harbor fungi and lead to reinfection, so it’s important to keep them clean.
To keep your shoes in good shape:
- Let your shoes air out between wears to dry them out.
- Wear absorbent socks made of cotton or wool to wick away moisture.
- Don’t share shoes with anyone else.
- Use antifungal powders or sprays preventatively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to put in your shoes if you have athlete’s foot?
If you have athlete’s foot, it’s a good idea to put antifungal powder or spray in your shoes to help kill any lingering fungus. Some people also use drying agents like baking soda to absorb moisture, which fungi love.
How to disinfect shoes after athlete’s foot?
To disinfect shoes after an athlete’s foot infection, use a disinfectant spray specifically designed to kill fungi. You can also try soaking the insides with a diluted bleach solution (always test a small, hidden area first!) or using a UV shoe sanitizer.
Can Lysol kill foot fungus in shoes?
Lysol can kill some fungi, but it’s not specifically formulated for foot fungus. While it might help, a dedicated antifungal spray is a better bet for targeting the specific organisms that cause athlete’s foot. Read the label carefully to make sure it says it kills fungus.
Should I throw away my shoes after an athlete’s foot infection?
You don’t necessarily have to throw away your shoes, but it’s an option, especially if they’re old or difficult to disinfect. Thoroughly disinfecting them is usually sufficient, but if you’re prone to reinfection, new shoes might be worth considering.
Does Lysol kill athlete’s foot?
Lysol is designed to kill germs and some types of fungi on surfaces, but it’s not a treatment for athlete’s foot on your skin. Always use an antifungal cream or medication specifically designed for topical application to treat the infection on your feet.
Closing Thoughts
Lysol might kill athlete’s foot fungus in your shoes, but it’s not a sure thing. The best way to avoid athlete’s foot is to keep your feet and shoes clean. Wear breathable shoes and socks, keep your feet dry, and don’t share shoes with other people.
If you think you have athlete’s foot that won’t go away, talk to a doctor. They can help you find a treatment that will work.