Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus, which can be contracted by walking without shoes. Wearing shoes made of leather, rather than vinyl, best prevents athlete's foot because they provide more air circulation and give feet a chance to breathe. When wearing shoes, use foot powder to help cut down on foot perspiration and the spread of the fungus. For people who have a history of athlete's foot, antifungal sprays or creams prescribed by a physician may be useful. Plantar warts, which are caused by a virus and usually appear on the sole of the foot, are spread and contracted by people walking without shoes.
Warts are harmless but can be painful.
Some untreated warts may disappear after several months, but usually they need to be removed. Like the rest of the body, feet are prone to sunburn and should always be covered with sunblock. All of this can aggravate existing structural problems such as bunions, corns and calluses. Try to wear heels only in the evening, vary heel height at work, or bring tennis shoes to wear when walking distances between appointments. Also, wear the right size shoe.