Treatment
Athlete’s foot
Treatment for athlete’s foot aims to eradicate the fungus and prevent recurrence. This typically involves a combination of general measures and antifungal medications.
General Measures
- Keep Feet Dry: Thoroughly dry the feet, especially between the toes, after bathing.
- Use Dusting Powder: Antifungal powders can help keep the area dry and reduce fungal growth.
- Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose shoes that allow the feet to breathe and avoid tight-fitting footwear.
- Separate Toes: Use cotton or foam wedges to keep toes apart and reduce moisture buildup.
Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal medications are effective in treating athlete’s foot. These include:
- Topical Antifungals: Creams, ointments, gels, sprays, and powders containing clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate, or terbinafine.
- Oral Antifungals: For severe or resistant cases, medications such as itraconazole, fluconazole, or terbinafine may be prescribed.
- Topical Steroids: To reduce inflammation and pain, especially in combination with antifungal treatments.
- Antibiotics: If secondary bacterial infections develop, oral antibiotics may be necessary.
Management and Prevention
Effective management of athlete’s foot includes both treatment and preventive measures to avoid recurrence and spreading the infection to others.
Management Tips
- Adhere to Treatment: Complete the full course of prescribed antifungal medication, even if symptoms improve before the treatment period ends.
- Maintain Foot Hygiene: Regularly wash and dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Use Medicated Powders: Apply antifungal powders or sprays to keep feet dry.
- Avoid Scratching: Scratching can spread the infection to other parts of the body.
Prevention Tips
- Change Socks Daily: Wear clean, dry socks and change them if they become sweaty.
- Alternate Shoes: Use different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry out between uses.
- Wear Protective Footwear: Use sandals or waterproof shoes in communal areas like locker rooms and swimming pools.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share towels, socks, or shoes with others.
- Keep Toenails Trimmed: Short, clean toenails reduce the risk of fungal growth.
