Athlete's Foot Treatment

Treatment aims to rid the body of the infection. Therapy may include good foot hygiene or medication. Many over-the-counter antifungal medications are available. However, if the infection persists for two weeks or more, seek medical care.

Foot Hygiene

• Gently wash your feet often (at least daily) with soap and water, and completely dry all areas, including between the toes.
• Put a dusting of antifungal foot powder on your feet or in your shoes to absorb moisture.
• Change your shoes and socks frequently.
• Do not swim or use public locker rooms when you have an infection. This will help prevent spreading the infection to other people.

Medication

Over-the-counter topical antifungals may be helpful. But if you don't see any improvement within two weeks of trying them, you should consult with your doctor. Prescription topical or oral medications may be more effective. The doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication to be taken by mouth or applied to the feet. Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical problems you may have had, such as liver or Chronic Kidney Failure , or Type 2 Diabetes.

It is important to continue taking any prescribed medication for the entire time instructed by the doctor. Do not stop any medication without the doctor's approval, even if the infected areas look better. Treatment generally lasts 4-8 weeks. Shortening the treatment plan often results in another infection. Wash your hands after applying topical medications.

Topical medications include:

• Miconazole
• Haloprogin
• Clotrimazole
• Ciclopirox
• Terbinafine
• Butenafine
• Tolnaftate
• Econazole
• Ketoconazole
• Naftifine
• Oxiconazole
• Sulconazole

Griseofulvin is a prescription oral medication. Other oral drugs may also be prescribed.