PubMed2002
Athlete's foot and onychomycosis can be aggravated due to inappropriate footwear. In this study we examined whether stockings of synthetic and mixed fabrics may influence the growth behaviour of the commonly isolated fungi Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans. A standardized suspension of each fungus was given to each sample of twelve stockings of different materials. The size of the growing colonies and the velocity of their growth were measured and compared to each other. Based on our data stockings depending on their fabric mixture seem to support or inhibit respectively the growth of fungi. Stockings composed of polyamide and a high percentage of polyurethane (Elasthan) and silk stockings as well may likely promote the fungal growth.