Can bamboo socks cure athletes foot?

Bamboo fabric has many amazing properties. We have already discussed in previous posts how it can help alleviate the symptoms of eczema in babies. But when used to make socks, there is evidence to suggest that it can also cure athletes foot. The combination of sweat wicking, anti bacterial and anti fungal properties would provide an envionment where the fungal infection could not thrive. Usually athletes foot is caused by and made worse by feet being in damp conditions. But is there any evidence to support this theory?

A study carried out by Green Earth Bamboo on the anti microbial behaviour of bamboo socks found that bamboo has GOOD antimicrobial properties followed by 50/50% bam/cot, cotton and rayon. The study concluded that this indigenous anti microbial property of bamboo makes it more suitable for clothing’s such as inner wears foot wears such as socks as compared to cotton. An article by Katherine Biers of Utah State University also supports the idea that bamboo socks can cure athletes foots stating “Fifty individuals suffering from athlete’s foot were asked to wear socks made from the anti-bacterial bamboo. All individuals reported that the burning and itching associated with the condition disappeared within one to two days after the test began. Within two to six days, the blistering and sores characteristic of the condition disappeared and the skin returned to normal.”

Many other individuals have their own stories and accounts about how they have found bamboo socks to eliminate damp feet, swelling and odour caused by perspiration.