Many Koreans have been wearing Wellington or other rubber boots in the heavy rain this summer, but that can lead to athlete's foot and other fungal infections.
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that occurs between the toes or on the soles of the feet due to a fungus called dermatophyte. Certain dermatophytes can cause skin infections more easily in hot and humid conditions.
Wearing shoes like summer rain boots, which don't allow proper air circulation and easily trap sweat and moisture, for extended periods during summer rains can increase the likelihood of developing the infection.
A type of athlete's foot called interdigital tinea causes cracking and peeling of the skin between the toes without inflammation. This often occurs between the fourth and fifth toes, which are tightly positioned and lack proper air circulation.
Kim Dae-hyun a dermatologist at Korea University Anam Hospital's explains, "After wearing rain boots, it's important to thoroughly clean between the toes and ensure they are completely dry. It's also a good idea to wipe the rain boots with a dry towel and dust the boots with talcum powder or put a bag of silica gel inside for storage."
