Treatment and Prevention
Athlete's foot that's soggy, inflamed, and foul-smelling requires quick medical attention. If the foot is inflamed and your doctor has confirmed that there's a bacterial infection, the infection and inflammation must first be treated before antifungals are used.
Topical antifungals (creams, solutions, gel, and lotions), either over-the-counter or prescription, are usually effective for uncomplicated cases of athlete's foot. When these topical agents don't work, antifungal pills are often prescribed. Some medications used to treat athlete's foot contain both an antifungal and antibacterial ingredient to help speed up healing. In addition, special aluminum acetate wet dressings may be helpful when applied to vesiculated or macerated lesions. Shoes may also be treated with antifungal powders.
A foot condition that doesn't clear up after appropriate treatment may not be due to a fungal or bacterial infection. The symptoms may be caused by some other type of skin disease. That's why it's important to see your doctor to confirm the presence of athlete's foot.
The best way to prevent athlete's foot is with good hygiene. This means keeping the feet cool and dry. After a bath or shower, it's important to thoroughly dry between your toes. Here are some practical tips to keep your feet happy and healthy:
- Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool.
- Whenever possible, take off your shoes to "air out" your feet.
- Clean your feet daily with soap and water.
- Always dry well between your toes.
- Use an absorbent powder such as talcum powder or aluminum chloride powder.
- Wear absorbent socks (e.g., made out of cotton or wool).
- Avoid tight-fitting footwear, since sweaty feet provide ideal conditions for fungal growth.
- Change your socks after exercising or after any excess sweating.
Jeffrey Heit, MD, Internist with special emphasis on preventive health, fitness and nutrition, Philadelphia VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.