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.
Special antifungal creams, either over-the-counter or prescription, are usually effective for uncomplicated cases of athlete's foot. When creams don't work, antifungal pills are often prescribed. Some newer creams and pills used to treat athlete's foot contain both an antifungal and antibacterial agent to help speed up healing.
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 before you decide to self-medicate and use any over-the-counter antifungal medications.
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 dry well 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.