How do I manage my athlete's foot on a daily basis?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You can manage athlete's foot on a daily basis by practicing good foot hygiene and using effective over-the-counter or prescription treatment. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and ointments often are effective in treating athlete's foot. However, if they don't work in a week or two, be sure to see your doctor. Keeping your feet -- especially the area between your toes -- clean and dry, is key to preventing recurrences of athlete's foot. Despite your best efforts, however, athlete's foot often does recur; if that happens, it needs to be treated again until it goes away.You can manage athlete's foot on a daily basis by practicing good foot hygiene and using effective over-the-counter or prescription treatment. Over-the-counter anti-fungal creams and ointments often are effective in treating athlete's foot.... More -
If you have athlete's foot, you should treat it with medication. Many people begin with over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. If those do not help, or if your infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe strong topical or oral medication. You may have to use medications for several weeks; make sure to use everything as directed. Wear well-fitting socks and shoes, and wash and dry your feet well during treatment.
If you have athlete's foot, you should treat it with medication. Many people begin with over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. If those do not help, or if your infection is severe, your doctor may prescribe strong topical or oral... More -
Healthwise answered:You can usually treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis) yourself at home by using nonprescription medicines and taking care of your feet. But if you have diabetes and develop athlete's foot, or have persistent, severe or recurrent infections, see your doctor.
Nonprescription medicines
Nonprescription antifungals include clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Micatin), terbinafine (Lamisil), and tolnaftate (Tinactin). These medicines are creams, lotions, solutions, gels, sprays, ointments, swabs or powders that are applied to the skin (topical medicine). Treatment will last from 1 to 6 weeks.
If you have a vesicular (blister) infection, soak your foot in Burow's solution several times a day for 3 or more days until the blister fluid is gone. After the fluid is gone, use an antifungal cream as directed. You can also apply compresses using Burow's solution.
To prevent athlete's foot from returning, use the full course of all medicine as directed, even after symptoms have gone away. Avoid using hydrocortisone cream on a fungal infection, unless your doctor prescribes it.
Foot care - Good foot care helps treat and prevent athlete's foot. Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Dry between your toes after swimming or bathing.
- Wear shoes or sandals that allow your feet to breathe.
- When indoors, wear socks without shoes.
- Wear socks to absorb sweat. Change your socks twice a day.
- Use talcum or antifungal powder on your feet.
- Allow your shoes to air for at least 24 hours before you wear them again.
Wear shower sandals in public pools and showers.
If you have athlete's foot, dry your groin area before your feet after bathing. Also, put on your socks before your underwear. This can prevent fungi from spreading from your feet to your groin, which may cause jock itch.
You may choose not to treat athlete's foot if your symptoms don't bother you and you have no health problems that increase your risk of severe foot infection, such as diabetes. But an untreated athlete's foot infection causing skin blisters or cracks can lead to severe bacterial infection. Also, if you don't treat athlete's foot infection, you can spread it to other people.
You can usually treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis) yourself at home by using nonprescription medicines and taking care of your feet. But if you have diabetes and develop athlete's foot, or have persistent, severe or recurrent infections, see... More
