Treatment for athlete’s foot ordinarily includes the application of an over-the-counter antifungal cream for at least one week. Your physician may also advise you to: Keep feet clean and dry and nails trimmed
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How is athlete's foot diagnosed?
Your doctor may be able to diagnose athlete's foot simply by looking at it. Some types of athletes foot look like dry skin or dermatitis. To help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, your doctor might take a skin scraping from the affected area for testing in a lab.
What is athlete's foot and how is it treated?
Athlete's foot is a common skin infection caused by a fungus. Treatment with an antifungal cream usually works well. The tips given below may help to prevent athlete's foot coming back after it has been treated. Who gets athlete's foot and how do you get it?
How do I prepare for an appointment for athlete's foot?
Your primary care doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose athlete's foot. You don't need any special preparations for an appointment to diagnose athlete's foot. Before your appointment, you might want to write down a list of questions to ask your doctor.
Can athlete’s foot spread to other parts of the body?
The athlete’s foot fungus can spread to other parts of your body. Scratching or picking at the rash with your hands can result in one or both developing a similar infection. Your toenails could also become infected with athlete’s foot. Once athlete’s foot is inside the nail, it is often more resistant to treatment.
How to treat athlete's foot?
What doctor can diagnose athlete's foot?
How to get rid of a swollen foot?
How to get rid of itchy feet?
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About this website
How would you treat a client with athlete's foot?
You can buy a topical antifungal treatment from pharmacies, or get one on prescription. Topical means it is applied directly to the area affected, ie the skin of the feet. There are various types and brands - for example, terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole and miconazole.
What is the most effective treatment for athlete's foot?
Best-overall product for athlete's foot Across the board, Lamisil was recommended by almost all the experts we spoke to as the best topical product for treating athlete's foot. Available in cream and gel form, it's a powerful, broad-spectrum antifungal that Maral K.
How do you prevent and treat athlete's foot?
Keep feet clean, dry and cool. Avoid using swimming pools, public showers or foot baths. Wear sandals when possible, or air shoes out by alternating them every 2-3 days. Avoid wearing closed shoes, and wearing socks made from fabric that doesn't dry easily (for example, nylon)
Why is it important to be informed about athlete's foot?
Preventing the spread of athlete's foot is important and being informed of the common places where you can contract the infection is something that could help you avoid catching athlete's foot in the first place. The fungi that causes athlete's foot is commonly found in warm, damp and dark places.
What causes athlete's foot and how do you cure it?
Athlete's foot occurs when the tinea fungus grows on the feet. You can catch the fungus through direct contact with an infected person, or by touching surfaces contaminated with the fungus. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. It's commonly found in showers, on locker room floors, and around swimming pools.
What is the best natural cure for athlete's foot?
Many natural or home remedies can be helpful in killing the fungus that causes athlete's foot.Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) Share on Pinterest Studies suggest that tea tree oil may help to kill fungi. ... Garlic. ... Hydrogen peroxide with iodine. ... Hair dryer and talcum powder. ... Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
How can I treat athlete's foot at home?
Like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol can help kill off the fungus that's on the surface level of the skin. You can apply it directly to the affected area or soak your feet in a footbath of 70 percent rubbing alcohol and 30 percent water for 30 minutes.
How do you prevent dry athlete's foot?
Keep your feet dry. Use socks that are made of breathable material or wick away moisture. Consider using shoes that provide enough ventilation and do not constrict your feet.
How can you prevent fungal infections?
PreventionBe sure to practice good hygiene.Don't share clothing, towels, or other personal items.Wear clean clothes every day, particularly socks and underwear.Choose clothing and shoes that breathe well. ... Make sure to dry off properly with a clean, dry, towel after showering, bathing, or swimming.More items...•
How is athlete's foot spread from person to person?
Athlete's foot is typically characterized by skin fissures or scales that can be red and itchy. Tinea pedis is spread through contact with infected skin scales or contact with fungi in damp areas (for example, showers, locker rooms, swimming pools) 1.
How do you treat a bacterial infection in your foot?
Foot infection treatmentantifungal cream or spray for athlete's foot.antifungal foot powder.OTC salicylic acid for plantar warts.antibiotic cream.blister pads.avoiding tight shoes.keeping feet dry and cool.
Athlete's Foot Medications: List of Athlete's Foot Drugs - GoodRx
Ala-Quin (hydrocortisone and Iodochlorhydroxyquin) is a drug used to treat skin infections and eczema.This drug is slightly more popular than comparable drugs.There are currently no generic alternatives to Ala-Quin. GoodRx has partnered with InsideRx and Crown Laboratories to reduce the price for this prescription.
Athlete's Foot Home Treatments, Remedies, & Cures - WebMD
Athlete’s foot is easy to pick up, but getting rid of it can be difficult. A lot of people have their own ways to deal with it at home. There’s not much scientific research out there on how ...
How to prevent athlete's foot from recurring?
The following tips may prevent athlete's foot recurring: 1 Wash your feet daily, and dry the skin between your toes thoroughly after washing. This is perhaps the most important point. It is tempting to put socks on when your feet are not quite dry. The soggy skin between the toes is then ideal for fungi to grow. 2 Do not share towels in communal changing rooms. Wash towels frequently. 3 Change your socks daily. Fungi may multiply in flakes of skin in unwashed socks. Cotton socks and leather footwear are probably better than nylon socks and plastic footwear, which increase sweating. 4 Ideally, alternate between different shoes every 2-3 days to allow each pair to dry out fully after being worn. 5 Ideally, wear flip-flops or plastic sandals in communal changing rooms and showers. This prevents the soles of your feet coming into contact with the ground, which may contain flakes of skin from other people. 6 Ideally, when at home, leave your shoes and socks off as much as possible to let the air get to your feet. However, this may not be practical for some people. 7 If athlete's foot keeps coming back, you may be able to prevent this by using one of the antifungal sprays or creams regularly as a precaution.
What is the best medicine for fungus on toes?
Tablets used include terbinafine, griseofulvin, or itraconazole.
What happens if you get a rash on your toes?
The skin between the little toes tends to be affected at first. A rash develops that becomes itchy and scaly. The skin may become cracked and sore. Large splits (fissures) in the skin between the toes can develop, which can be very painful. Tiny flakes of infected skin may fall off. The rash may spread gradually along the toes if left untreated. In some cases it spreads to the soles. Occasionally, the infection causes a scaling rash on the entire sole and side of the foot. In other cases it causes more of a blistering rash on part of the sole of the foot.
How often should I apply terbinafine?
Terbinafine: apply once or twice a day for seven days. Not suitable for children. Undecenoic acid: apply twice a day and continue for a week after the skin is back to normal. You should avoid creams that have steroids in them, like hydrocortisone.
How often should I take clotrimazole for a rash?
This is to clear the fungi completely from the skin, which will prevent the rash from returning. Clotrimazole: apply 2-3 times a day for at least four weeks. Miconazole: apply twice a day and continue for 10 days after the skin is back to normal. Econazole: apply twice a day until the skin is back to normal.
Can you take antifungal tablets for athlete's foot?
Children are not usually prescribed antifungal tablets. You do not need to stay away from work, school or sports if you have athlete's foot. However, in communal changing areas, try to keep your feet covered until the rash is gone. Also, try not to scratch the affected skin, as this may spread infection to other sites.
Can you get athlete's foot from someone who wears socks?
Anyone can get athlete's foot. It is more common in people who sweat more, or who wear shoes and socks which make their feet more sweaty. Athlete's foot can also be passed on from person to person. For example, this may occur in communal showers used by athletes or swimmers. A tiny flake of infected skin from a person with athlete's foot can fall ...
How to keep athlete's foot dry?
Some people will use baking soda or light cornstarch to keep the moisture out or powder. You can use moisture-wicking socks or change socks frequently too.”. These methods along with using antifungal powders and creams before and after a long day can be your best defense against athlete’s foot.
What is the best liquid for athlete's foot?
Best Overall: Lotrimin Athlete's Foot Liquid Powder Spray. Powders may seem annoying and messy to apply, but used in spray form it can make for a much easier application. This Lotrimin option comes in a spray form, which is great for coating every single crevice of your foot.
What is the best antifungal cream for athlete's foot?
Best Natural: Bioveco Antifungal Cream at Amazon. "Uses ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, calendula, turmeric, and arnica to help fight fungus and soothe itchy, scaly feet. ". Not only can an athlete’s foot be painful, but it’s also just downright annoying.
Can you use lotrimin for athlete's foot?
This formula can also be used on ringworm breakouts, so it's great to keep in your medicine cabinet. It can be used on children over the age of two, so if your little one is dealing with a bout of athlete's foot, turn to Lotrimin.
Does miconazole nitrate help with athlete's foot?
This formula contains two percent miconazole nitrate, which has been clinically proven to relieve itchy skin and can even be used as initial prevention of Athlete's foot. 1 The best part about powder formulas, in general, is that they can contain active ingredients while working to dry out any moist areas.
Can athlete's foot spread easily?
If you have athlete’s foot something you’ll want to be cognizant of is the fact that the fungus spreads easily . Linda Stein Gold, M.D., Head of Dermatology at Henry Ford Health System in West Bloomfield, Michigan, says that you should be vigilant if you live with someone who has athlete’s foot.
Can you spray your feet for athlete's foot?
While there are a variety of treatments available for athlete's foot, there's going to be a method that works best for you and your specific needs. If you have trouble with mobility and reaching your feet is an issue, a spray may work best for you.
How to prevent athlete's foot?
Prevent the spread of athlete's foot: 1 Prevent the spread of this infection to other parts of your body. When you shower, dry your groin area and other parts of your body before you dry your feet. 2 Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet each day and dry them well, especially between your toes. After your feet are dry, put powder on your feet and between your toes. Wear clean cotton or wool socks each day. Put your socks on first so you do not spread the infection to other areas of your body. Wear sandals, canvas tennis shoes, or other shoes that allow air to flow to your feet. This helps keep your feet dry. Do not use shoes that are tight, or made of plastic or rubber. 3 Soak your feet in an astringent (drying) solution as directed if you have blisters. You may need to do this for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 times each day to help dry out the blisters. 4 Wear shoes in public areas. Wear shower shoes or sandals in warm, damp areas. This includes shower stalls, near swimming pools, and locker rooms. Do not share socks or shoes. Do not use public swimming pools.
How to keep your feet dry?
After your feet are dry, put powder on your feet and between your toes. Wear clean cotton or wool socks each day . Put your socks on first so you do not spread the infection to other areas of your body. Wear sandals, canvas tennis shoes, or other shoes that allow air to flow to your feet. This helps keep your feet dry.
How to get rid of blisters on feet?
Soak your feet in an astringent (drying) solution as directed if you have blisters. You may need to do this for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 times each day to help dry out the blisters. Wear shoes in public areas. Wear shower shoes or sandals in warm, damp areas.
How to prevent a groin infection?
When you shower, dry your groin area and other parts of your body before you dry your feet. Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash your feet each day and dry them well, especially between your toes.
How to take medicine if you are allergic to it?
Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him or her if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them.
What is the best treatment for athlete's foot?
Recommendations for treatment of athlete’s foot for milder cases can include using an antifungal product like an over-the-counter cream, powder, ointment, or spray. Your doctor may prescribe something stronger if the infection doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments.
What is athlete foot?
Walking barefoot in a public area. Sharing linens, rugs, or mats with someone with a fungal infection. Athlete’s foot is also related to other fungal infections like jock itch or ringworm. The same fungus causes each of those infections.
How to keep your toes dry?
Keep your feet and toes dry: Try to go barefoot as much as possible. This allows air to circulate between your toes and keep them dry. Make sure to dry the area between your toes thoroughly after taking a shower or bath. Change your socks regularly: Avoid wearing the same socks more than once.
How to get rid of a virus on your toes?
Consider washing your socks in bleach to kill any remaining bacteria. Keep your toenails clipped: Cut your toenails and make sure you keep them clean, so the virus doesn’t have a place to hide before infecting others. Alternate your shoes: Try not to wear the same pair of shoes for consecutive days.
How to stop athlete's foot from itching?
Avoid scratching at your rash: Constantly picking at your rash increases the chances that you will spread athlete’s foot to other parts of your body. Soaking your feet in cool water can provide relief from any itching.
When to see a doctor for a rash on the foot?
When to See a Doctor. You may wish to see a doctor if you find yourself with a rash on your foot that does not clear up after two weeks or respond to over-the-counter antifungal products. People with diabetes should make their doctor aware of any persistent infection on their feet.
How do you know if you have athlete's foot?
Some of the most common symptoms of athlete’s foot are: The appearance of a scaly red rash. Itching. Blisters or ulcers. Chronic dryness. Scaling. Some people end up developing other, less common complications, such as: Moist, peeling skin. A white, greenish, or yellowish discoloration.
Why does my foot hurt when I walk?
There are many possible causes of skin irritation of the foot that may not necessarily be caused by a fungus. Allergic reaction from a foreign material (contact dermatitis), eczema, and psoriasis are all differential diagnosis to athlete’s foot.
Can athlete's foot be treated?
Athlete’s foot is a very common skin infection of the foot that is readily treatable. If not treated, the skin may crack, opening up the possibility of a bacterial infection. The skin infection may also spread to the nails, causing thickening and discoloration of the nail, which can be painful. Be mindful of where you walk barefoot so that you can avoid developing a fungal infection. If treatments do not work, it may not be a fungus and it is important to see a specialist to determine what it may be.
Your Care Instructions
Athlete's foot is an itchy rash on the foot caused by an infection with a fungus. You can get it by going barefoot in wet public areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms. Many times there is no clear reason why you get athlete's foot. You can easily treat athlete's foot by putting medicine on your feet for 1 to 6 weeks.
How can you care for yourself at home?
Your doctor may suggest an over-the counter lotion or spray or may prescribe a medicine. Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor or nurse call line if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
To prevent athlete's foot
Wear flip-flops or other shower sandals in public locker rooms and showers and by the pool.
Why do you need to see a doctor for athlete's foot?
Because the condition can be spread to other parts of your body and to other people , it’s important to see a doctor if you’ve tried athlete’s foot treatments at home without success.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot is a type of fungal skin infection called tinea pedis. It’s common among athletes, who tend to sweat a lot and frequently use communal showers, where the fungus can spread easily. Athlete’s foot symptoms usually begin with a scaly, reddish rash between the toes that may itch or burn. Sometimes a person with athlete’s foot might also ...
How long does it take for athlete's foot to heal?
When to See a Doctor for Athlete’s Foot. You can expect to see some improvement after one week of treatment with an antifungal cream or other medication, and the infection should be nearly gone after two weeks of treatment at home, although sometimes it may take longer. If you haven’t seen any improvement or the infection appears ...
Why do athletes have sweaty feet?
Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that enters the body through a crack or wound in the top layer of skin. The fungus needs a warm, moist environment to grow, which makes sweaty feet a perfect breeding ground.
How is athlete's foot spread?
The athlete’s foot fungus is spread through direct contact with infected skin or through contact with objects, such as clothing or towels that have been contaminated with infected flakes of skin. It also can be spread by touching surfaces that have flakes of skin, which is why athlete’s foot is commonly spread through communal showers ...
What to do if you have a foot infection?
If you haven’t seen any improvement or the infection appears to be getting worse, call your doctor. It’s important to seek treatment before the infection spreads to the rest of your foot or other parts of your body, such as your groin or toenails.
How to get rid of a fungal infection on your feet?
Be sure to dry your feet thoroughly after you shower or swim in a pool. Wear shoes that ventila te your feet, preferably sandals or other breathable footwear . If your socks or shoes get sweaty, change them. Also, be careful not to spread the fungal infection on your own body.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection on the feet. Think of mold growing on your foot (that’s the basic concept!) and just as mold continues to spread unless you treat it correctly, athlete’s foot continues to grow on your skin. As the fungus grows, it causes a scaly dermatitis that can itch, sting, and burn.
How often should I use antifungal powder for athlete's foot?
For patients with mild cases of athlete’s foot, I typically recommend using an over-the-counter antifungal powder in their socks once a day (usually at night).
Is athlete's foot contagious?
To make matters worse, athlete’s foot is highly contagious. So, if one person at the gym has it, they can easily spread it to anyone else that showers in that area. Likewise, if anyone in your family has it, they can spread it to you as well.
Can you get athlete's foot from sweating?
You don’t have to be an athlete to get the fungus that causes athlete’s foot. We associate this condition with athletes because sweating and showering in communal areas are two prime ways to contract the fungus. Sweating creates the perfect breeding ground for this fungi. The fungus latches onto wet, hot, enclosed feet.
How to treat athlete's foot?
These tips can help you ease the symptoms of athlete's foot or avoid a recurrence: 1 Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you're home. Dry between your toes after a bath or shower. 2 Change socks regularly. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3 Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber. 4 Alternate pairs of shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day so that you give your shoes time to dry after each use. 5 Protect your feet in public places. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and lockers rooms. 6 Treat your feet. Use OTC antifungal product as directed daily. For example, creams may be applied to dry feet twice a day and used for a week even after the rash is gone. 7 Try not to scratch the rash. You can try soothing your itchy feet by soaking them in cool water. 8 Don't share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.
What doctor can diagnose athlete's foot?
Preparing for your appointment. Your primary care doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose athlete's foot. You don't need any special preparations for an appointment to diagnose athlete's foot.
How to get rid of a swollen foot?
Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber. Alternate pairs of shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day so that you give your shoes time to dry after each use.
How to get rid of itchy feet?
For example, creams may be applied to dry feet twice a day and used for a week even after the rash is gone. Try not to scratch the rash. You can try soothing your itchy feet by soaking them in cool water. Don't share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.