A - Z Encyclopedia
Understanding Athlete's Foot
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
Treatment
What Are the Treatments?
Treat athlete's foot right away, when itchiness first appears.
Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly every morning and evening, change your socks or stockings daily, and don't wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely between wearings. Sprinkle antifungal powder on your feet and in your shoes daily. Antifungal creams and sprays are also effective at managing the infection. Continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring.
Make sure your feet get plenty of air. If you can't go barefoot or wear sandals, wear cotton socks and shoes made of a natural, porous material such as leather or fabric. Don't wear water-resistant synthetics.
If not treated properly and promptly, the infection can be very stubborn. Even when treated with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment.
Most of the time it responds well to these over the counter interventions, however, more severe cases may need to be seen by your physician.
At-Home Remedies
Soak your infected feet in warm, salted water (1 teaspoon of salt per cup) or aluminum acetate solution (Burrow's) for 5 to 10 minutes every da and then drythem thoroughly,
You may prefer using an over-the-counter antifungal powder, cream, or spray. There are many types of these medications. They are equally effective if used properly. As long as the area is not blistered or cracked, remove flakes of dead skin with a soft brush before using a topical powder or ointment. Do not tear off flaking skin; you may break nearby healthy skin and spread the infection.
Keep your nails short.Make sure that your shoes fit properly. Small shoes make it more likely that the infection will spread to nearby nails.
How Can I Prevent It?
Your coach and the school nurse were on the right track when they made you wear shower shoes in the locker room and around the pool. But we now know that susceptibility is as big a factor as actual contact with the fungus.
Cut your risk by keeping your feet clean, dry, and powdered with an over-the-counter antifungal foot powder. Other sensible steps:
- Wear cotton socks, and shoes that breathe; shoes that keep water out also keep sweat in.
- Never share shoes, socks, or towels.
- If you get athlete's foot, wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible -- or boil them.
- Be doubly cautious of your feet if you take an antibiotic. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
