Treatment FAQ

why is my athletes foot not responding to any treatment

by Aimee Mayer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If your athlete's foot doesn't respond to nonprescription products and self-care, you may need to see a doctor to get a prescription-strength cream or ointment, such as clotrimazole (Lotrisone), econazole (Ecoza, Spectazole) or ciclopirox (Loprox, Penlac).Apr 27, 2022

Medication

This rash isn’t dangerous but can be annoying and itchy. The simplest and most effective treatment for the athlete’s foot is an over-the-counter antifungal cream, which usually clears the rash within 2 weeks. But there are some home remedies too ...

Self-care

#1 Remedy: Baking Soda

  • Make a sticky paste using baking soda and a little water.
  • Spread it over the affected areas.
  • Leave it on for at least 15 minutes.
  • Rinse it off with clean water, and then dry your feet thoroughly.

How to cure athletes feet?

The Yellow Bird All Natural Antifungal Foot Cream

  • Combat bad smells and athlete's foot the natural way
  • All organic and natural ingredients; GMO, soy, paraben, and phthalate-free
  • Everything you need to care for your feet

What are home remedies for athletes feet?

What are the symptoms and signs of athlete's foot?

  • various degrees of itching,
  • stinging, and
  • burning.

What is the best cream for athletes feet?

What are the symptoms of athletes feet?

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Can severe athlete's foot be cured?

Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.

How long does it take to get rid of severe athlete's foot?

Most mild cases of athlete's foot clear up within 2 weeks. But treatment can go for several weeks or longer if the infection is more serious or affects the toenails.

What causes athlete's foot to get worse?

Sweaty shoes and socks add to the dampness and can make the infection worse. Sharing towels, sheets, clothing, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot also can spread the infection.

What can be mistaken for athlete's foot?

Certain conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, among other things, can also look very much like Athlete's foot. Sometimes, if the skin barrier is compromised, a secondary bacterial infection can occur.

How do you get rid of stubborn athlete's foot?

What is the best cure for athlete's foot? Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays or powders effectively treat athlete's foot. These products contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine. Some prescription antifungal medications are pills.

What kills severe athlete's foot fast?

Hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide can effectively kill the fungus on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.

What are the stages of athlete's foot?

The early signs of athlete's foot are patches or fissures (deep breaks or slits), especially between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may turn red, become itchy, and appear moist. Small blisters may spread out across the foot, breaking to expose raw fissures that are painful and may swell.

Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have athlete's foot?

You do not have to throw away your shoes if you have athlete's foot unless they were worn without socks, have dirt in them, or you have another skin reaction to the material or color dyes.

Should I wear socks to bed with athlete's foot?

Should I Wear Socks to Bed with Athlete's Foot?: Athlete's foot is very contagious and it's a good idea to wear socks to bed, especially if you share your bed with another person. This can help prevent transmitting the fungus to others.

What does severe athlete's foot look like?

Inflamed skin that might appear reddish, purplish or grayish, depending on your skin color. Burning or stinging. Blisters. Dry, scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends up the side.

Why is my athlete's foot spreading?

If socks are damp and the feet are warm, there is a greater risk of developing athlete's foot. Athlete's foot can be spread through direct and indirect contact: direct, skin-to-skin contact, as may occur when an uninfected person touches the infected area of somebody with athlete's foot.

Should you moisturize athlete's foot?

So moisturizing your feet regularly can help. If you're prone to athlete's foot or have a history of nail fungus, Lipner recommends daily treatment with a drugstore antifungal product — it reduces your chance of recurrence threefold, she says.

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.

Why does athlete's foot keep coming back?

Some skin conditions reflect problems beneath the skin. So your podiatrist may need to prescribe oral medication instead. Now, these are the two most common reasons why athlete's foot keeps coming back. But they aren't the only ones.

How to treat athlete's foot infection?

Lasting Treatment for Athlete's Foot Infections 1 You stop using your medications too soon. So that the topical treatments don't have the chance to fully stamp out the fungal infection. 2 You're choosing the wrong athlete's foot medication. Some skin conditions reflect problems beneath the skin. So your podiatrist may need to prescribe oral medication instead.

Why do my foot infections keep returning?

You stop using your medications too soon. So that the topical treatments don't have the chance to fully stamp out the fungal infection. You're choosing the wrong athlete's foot medication.

What to do if fungus doesn't quit?

If that fungus just won't quit, you may need to use treatments that get beneath the skin. If, for example, you've got a moccasin-type Athlete's foot infection? (This is when the fungus thickens the skin on the sole and heel of your foot. And it often triggers a fungal toenail infection, too.)

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection. The fungus makes its way into your body through small cracks in your skin. And that's when the trouble starts. Once it gets in, the fungus triggers responses from your body. Your feet become red and itchy. They may develop a funny odor, or even drainage. Now, to treat athlete's foot, you have to get rid ...

Can athlete's foot be treated with topical treatments?

And it often triggers a fungal toenail infection, too.) This and some other cases of Athlete's foot don't always respond to topical treatments. Which means we'll have to select other treatments. Or your funal infection will keep coming back. One of those options include oral anti-fungal medications.

Can you use topical antifungal cream on your feet?

Most people who use topical anti fungal medication only use it until their symptoms clear up. So, when the such itching and burning skin feels better, they stop applying cream. And that's a problem. Because, even when your feet feel better, that fungus isn't completely gone.

How do you know if you have athlete's foot?

The early signs of athlete's foot are patches or fissures (deep breaks or slits), especially between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may turn red, become itchy, and appear moist. Small blisters may spread out across the foot, breaking to expose raw fissures that are painful and may swell. The area between the toes is most often ...

What is the best over the counter medicine for athlete's foot?

When shopping for over-the-counter remedies for athlete's foot, look for products that contain clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, naftifine, oxiconazole, sulconazole, terbinafine, or terconazole.

How to treat a white rash on the toes?

If the infection is mild (scaly white patches of skin or fissures, but no redness or itching), pay special attention to foot hygiene. Wash your feet regularly, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply an antifungal cream to the affected area, and dust your socks and shoes with antifungal powder.

What is foot powder?

Foot powders also can be protective. Apart from any antifungal substances they might contain, they work to reduce friction between toes and between the foot and sock. Less friction means less sweat and a drier, less fungus-friendly environment.

Can athlete's foot breed in locker rooms?

Athlete's foot breeds in locker rooms, swimming pool changing areas, or any place that combines dampness and a lot of foot traffic . I mproperly cleaned instruments used in a pedicure (either at a commercial salon or at home) can also lead to infection.

Can you wear socks and shoes barefoot?

If going barefoot is the problem, then wearing socks and shoes would seem to be the solution. But socks and shoes largely contribute to the proliferation of athlete's foot once you have it: They create an ideal environment for fungi-dark, damp, and warm. Give your feet a chance to breathe.

What if Athlete's Foot Won't Go Away?

If your athlete's foot won't go away it's possible that you are not treating it properly. Read on to find out more.

An Effective Athlete's Foot Treatment

If you have athlete’s foot, you’re probably suffering from symptoms like burning, red, itchy, and peeling skin on your feet and between your toes.

Uncontrolled Ringworm or Jock Itch Infections

If you have experienced multiple athlete's foot infections and haven’t always treated them right away, the fungus may have spread to other parts of your body, causing ringworm or jock itch infections. These infections often show up as itchy red rings in warm and moist areas of the body like the groin and the scalp.

A Solid Foot Care Routine

To avoid any further athlete’s foot infections, it’s essential to start a solid foot care routine. By doing this you’ll keep your feet healthy and free from fungal infections. Good foot care habits will help you treat athlete’s foot and prevent it from spreading or coming back again.

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 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.

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.

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.

Why shouldn't you ignore athlete's foot?

Why You Shouldn't Ignore Athlete's Foot. Tinea pedis, which you probably know as “athlete’s foot,” starts as an itchy, scaly rash between the toes. This fungal infection usually develops when your feet get wet or sweaty and are confined in tight-fitting shoes. You might be able to grit your teeth and ignore the uncomfortable sensations caused by ...

How to treat athlete's foot?

Treatment for athlete’s foot is quite easy, especially in its early stages. Over-the-counter antifungal lotions, creams, and sprays are effective in mild cases -- when the athlete’s foot starts to show up between your toes.

What does it mean when your toes are cracking?

Moccasin infection. Instead of starting on the toes, you’ll notice a thickening and cracking of the skin on the bottom of the heel of your foot. The infection can spread to your toenails and may even fall off.

Can athlete's foot cause toenails to crack?

All of the area between your toes may become affected, the skin on your heels may grow thick and cracked, or your toenails may suffer infection.Toenails affected by a fungal infection are quite hard to treat and require efforts beyond the standard antifungals used for mild cases of athlete’s foot.

Is athlete's foot treated over the counter?

It’s easily treatable so you don’t have the infection worsen or spread to other areas of your foot. Stubborn cases of athlete’s foot that won’t respond to over-the-counter solutions are treated at Go Feet with three locations in New Jersey. Here’s why you should seek treatment right away.

Can you grit your teeth with athlete's foot?

This fungal infection usually develops when your feet get wet or sweaty and are confined in tight-fitting shoes. You might be able to grit your teeth and ignore the uncomfortable sensations caused by athlete’s foot -- but this isn’t smart.

Can fungus grow in feet?

During treatment, and afterward, it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry. This means the fungi has nowhere to grow as it thrives in wet, cool places.

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Diagnosis

Treatment

Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

Medically reviewed by
Dr. Rakshith Bharadwaj
Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
It is not a very serious condition and can be treated using over-the-counter or anti-fungal medications based on the severity.
Medication

Topical antifungals: Creams or sprays applied on the infected area to clear the fungus.

Azole . Allylamines . Butenafine . Ciclopirox . Tolnaftate


Systemic antifungals: Doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications.

Terbinafine . Itraconazole . Fluconazole


Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacterial infection develops due to blisters.

Erythromycin . Clindamycin


Topical steroids: Prescribed to prevent inflammation.

Hydrocortisone

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Keep the feet dry, especially between the toes
  • Avoid tight fitting footwear
  • Avoid walking bare foot outside the house

Specialist to consult

Dermatologist
Specializes in the study of the skin and its disorders.
Primary care physician
Specializes in the acute and chronic illnesses and provides preventive care and health.

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