Athlete's Foot Treating Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot Treating athlete's foot

Most people can treat athlete’s foot at home. This type of fungal infection is usually mild and responds quickly to treatment.

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be treated using self care and an antifungal medicine. If your infection is more severe, your GP may prescribe some stronger medication, such as oral antifungal medication.

If the infection is not treated, it can sometimes spread to your toenails and other parts of your body, such as the palms of your hands. Untreated cases of athlete’s foot can also lead to complications, such as bacterial infection. See Complications of athlete’s foot.

Self care

The following steps can help you treat athlete’s foot:

● Wash your feet frequently and thoroughly with soap and water. ● After washing, dry your feet, paying particular attention to the areas between your toes. ● Wear clean cotton socks. ● Change your shoes and socks regularly to help keep your feet dry, particularly after exercising. ● Do not share towels and ensure that they are washed regularly.

Antifungal treatment

Antifungal medication will help kill the fungi causing your infection. This type of medicine is available in several different forms, including:

● creams ● sprays ● liquids ● powders ● tablets

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Topical antifungal medications for athlete’s foot are widely available over-the-counter (OTC). Topical means medication that is applied directly to the area being treated. It is usually down to personal preference as to which form of antifungal medicine you use. Ask your pharmacist which antifungal medicine would be most suitable.

Types of antifungal medicine available include:

● terbinafine ● clotrimazole ● econazole ● ketoconazole ● miconazole ● sulconazole

Different types of oral antifungal medicines are also available. These need to be prescribed by your GP and include:

● itraconazole ● griseofulvin ● terbinafine

Oral antifungal treatment is only recommended for severe cases of infection and if topical antifungal treatment has not worked. Oral medication is suitable for adults but not for children under 16 years of age.

Risks

There are some risks involved with taking antifungal medication:

● Some oral antifungal treatments are not suitable for children or elderly people. ● Some oral antifungal treatments can interfere with pregnancy and the reproductive system of both men and women. ● Although the self-care steps above can be followed to treat athlete’s foot, the use of tea tree oil is not recommended.

Your GP can give you more information and advice about oral antifungal medicines.

How to use antifungal medicines

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Apply antifungal medication directly to the rash and surrounding area (4-6cm) of normal healthy skin. Make sure that the area is dry before you apply the treatment.

Sometimes, your skin may be infected with the fungus without showing any symptoms. It is, therefore, important to treat the surrounding 4-6cm of skin to help prevent re-infection. Always wash your hands before and after you apply the treatment.

Apply your antifungal treatment for as long as recommended in the instructions that come with the medicine. Some antifungal medicines have to be used for longer than others to be effective.

Although your rash may disappear quickly, this does not necessarily mean that the infection has been completely treated. You may have to use your medication for one to two weeks after your symptoms have gone to ensure that the infection has been successfully treated.

Hydrocortisone treatment

If your rash is making your skin particularly sore and swollen, you can use an antifungal treatment that contains an ingredient called hydrocortisone.

Treatments with low doses of hydrocortisone are available over-the-counter (OTC). However, if your athlete’s foot is more severe, your GP may prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone treatment.

Hydrocortisone helps reduce inflammation, as well as easing irritation and itching. Follow the instructions that come with the treatment.

Hydrocortisone cannot be used for longer than seven days. If necessary, you will have to use an alternative antifungal treatment (one that does not contain hydrocortisone) until your infection has been completely treated.

Always ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before using hydrocortisone if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

When to see your GP

If you have developed a secondary infection as a result of your athlete’s foot, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat it and you will need to see your GP.

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