wrap the feet with plastic

In my opinion, if you wrap the feet with plastic it will worsen the condition. It is better to consult a doctor to ask any topical cream or any medications appropriate for her conditions. It will smell bad if covered for a long time.

Is your helper walking barefoot in your house? It's hard to say if you will get this ailment as well. It's something that mostly people with sweating feet get, or closed (synthetic) shoes, synthetic socks, people living in warm, humid areas, but also swimming pools, gym halls, etc. It's important to wash the feet daily, wear clean cotton socks daily. I doubt you can get it from your own floor if she walks over it. Since people over here don't walk on barefoot, keep their own shoes or socks on, I would not tell someone to wear plastic around their feet. I would advice to use vinegar on the feet plus wipe my floors with it (if walked on it barefoot). BTW I already clean floors and many other things with vinegar since it works agains all kind of malts (this ailment is one too btw). They say in my country many people do have it because it's always humid (summer and winter) people always wear socks, shoes (so less fresh air at the feet) but I noticed many people in Africa have it as well (they walk bare feet).

No you are not being mean, why would you want to get the same infection, when it can be prevented, it's only a small hardship for the helper to wear a plastic cover, I am sure she would be horrified and totally embarrassed if she gave the athlete's foot to you! So I am sure she wouldn't have been offended. I worry when I use the gym, we are not allowed to wear outdoor shoes in the swimming pool changing rooms, and yet people do, they carry all muck and germs in on their dirty shoes, and people have to walk around bare feet! There are signs but people ignore them or are selfish enough not to remove their outdoor footwear before going into the changing room.

It's insulting. Fungal infections of the feet are contagious and can be spread person to person or by walking on contaminated objects and floors. Instead of letting her wear plastic, why not buy her her own sleepers, one for the inside and the other is for outside use. It's cheap though. Buy her medicated soup or ointment, it's your obligation since she work for you(for the safety of your family also).You did not only insult her with your actions but also degrade her. I know it's not intentionally but still you did wrong.

I don't think that there is anything wrong with it. It is always better to be safe than sorry. I would probably do the same if my helper would also have the same fugal infection.

Why don't you buy her a good pair of shoes with good quality socks. Perhaps, buy her some ointment for her athlete's feet. Or make sure she has time off to go to the doctor. If I were you, I would make sure that she gets medical treatment. She is a human being and so, not only your family need to be protected and taken care of. So does she. Even though she is cleaning your house, she still needs to be treated fair. If I were you, I would buy her good, supportive shoes, a package of quality socks and make sure she gets proper medical treatment. I would make sure she is treated as if she is family. My parents always taught me to treat anyone who walks in our house - as family. My mother's family had servants, but they have a compassionate heart towards everyone. Ask yourself - if a family member had athlete's feet, what would you do? Then, do the SAME for your helper!

Hiya cutie, If I had that I would take precautions as to not affect anyone else like my own towels wearing protective shoes like sandals at the very least and treat it with whatever makes it go away. Very annoying to have that kind of infection too my Son had it but it went away and I washed all of his clothing apart but I explained to him that it was for his own good and also I used cider vinegar to rinse the socks out worked a treat or so I believe. He has not had any outbreaks since then.xxx

It's almost like discriminating but with a purpose lol! There is nothing wrong with that actually. You are just protecting yourself and your family. Your helper will understand why you asked her to do such thing. Being mean sometimes depends on the way how you told her to wear plastic cover on her feet. If it was explained to her well then I don't think you're being mean.

If you are saying her to take some precautions there is nothing wrong in it. Provided you should say in a polite manner so that she don't feel she is being insulted. This way is good for everyone.

That's not being mean. It's understandable that you just want your family not to get her ailment. I guess one thing you can do, if you can spare some of your money, is to let her go to a dermatologists to have it checked. At least in that way, the doctor would see the ailment and prescribe the right medicine or ointment for you helper's feet.

I would ask her to cover her feet when she comes inside and provide her with socks if she doesn't have something to cover them with. As long as her skin isn't touching places your skin will touch, it should be fine. She could still wear your slippers if she wears them with her socks. It's a good thing that she notified you of this problem so that your family wouldn't catch it, but you don't want to make her feel dirty. It is a very common problem, nothing to be ashamed of.

Good caution. Athlete's foot disease is contagious. I would give her off to seek medical attention and let her come back once healed.