Athlete’s foot, or clinically described as tinea pedis, is a kind of fungal infection that typically affects the area in between the toes. This common condition frequently impacts people whose feet are extremely sweaty, specifically when squeezed within tight-fitting shoes. This kind of infection is contagious and can give you a scaly and itchy rash that likewise stings and burns. Luckily, medicines for athlete’s foot are readily available in a lot of drug stores.
For mild cases of athlete’s foot, your doctor might recommend using non-prescription athlete’s foot medicine in the form of antifungal creams, lotions, powders or sprays. However, if your infection does not enhance, your doctor might recommend a more powerful medication to apply on your feet. In addition, oral medications may be required to treat severe infections.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Lots of medications used to treat athlete’s foot can be purchased without prescription or over-the-counter. These include tolnaftate (Tinactin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), miconazole (Micatin), and terbinafine (Lamisil). They work in 70-80% of cases. In addition, tolnaftate powder or spray can likewise assist prevent athlete’s foot. These over-the-counter athlete’s foot medications are readily available in many forms, consisting of creams, creams, powders and sprays. You can begin with cream, lotion, or lotion, and you might use powder if your infection is moderate.
Apply to clean dry feet 2 times daily for a minimum of 4 weeks. Be sure to apply the medication between the toes. Consult your doctor if your symptoms intensify or do not improve.
Prescription Medication
Topical antifungals. If your non-prescription athlete’s foot medicine does not work within a few weeks, you may require prescription-strength topical antifungals to be applied directly on the affected skin. These include drugs like butenafine (Mentax), naftifine (Naftin), and clotrimazole. While all of them are similarly reliable, some work faster, taking only 1-2 weeks; whereas others may use up to 8 weeks to kick in. The fast-acting types are more costly, however with them you use less for the treatment to be curative.
Oral antifungals. Oral medications for athlete’s foot are typically reserved for severe infections or when topical antifungal preparations do not cure the infection. These prescription medications kill or slow the development of fungi. They are typically taken for 1-8 weeks. Make certain to take them as advised since if you stop taking them too early when your symptoms enhance, your infection will more than likely return. Oral athlete’s foot medications include:
- Oral allylamines: terbinafine (Lamisil).
- Oral azoles: fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox).
- Other antifungals: griseofulvin (Gris-PEG).
Common side effects of these medications consist of indigestion and diarrhea. You may need to have your blood checked for liver or kidney dysfunction while taking oral athlete’s foot medicines. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can add to liver issues.
Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you experience the following side effects:
- Yellowing of the skin/eyes.
- Extreme tiredness.
- Headaches.
- Easy bruising/bleeding.
- Severe blisters, skin peeling, or red skin rash.
- Anorexia nervosa.
- Seizures.
- Flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, body aches).
- Dark urine.
- Clay-colored stools.
- Stomach pain.
- Hives.
- Nausea.
Natural Home Remedy for Athlete’s Foot
In addition to taking athlete’s foot medication, there are likewise a variety of actions you can require to deal with the condition:
- Bleach water soaks: soak your feet in water with bleach every night for 10 minutes. To prepare bleach water, add no greater than 1 tablespoon of bleach to a half gallon of water. This will assist kill the fungus.
- Air out: allow your feet to air out the majority of the time using open-toed shoes or shoes.
- Prevent sweats: fungis grow in damp and warm environments. Constantly keep your feet dry. If you are an athlete or do heavy workouts, use antifungal powder on your feet before using socks to assist keep them dry. It is also a good idea to have an extra pair of socks when you play sports or workout. Wash your feet with soap and water then dry them entirely prior to altering your socks. It is a good idea to change socks regularly or at least once a day even if you do not sweat.
- Avoid walking barefoot: avoid walking barefoot, even in your very own home. Use a pair of slippers in the locker room, fitness center, pool, hotel showers, or other public locations.
- Bleach your socks and shower: bleach your socks and shower floorings or tubs when a week. This will help prevent future outbreaks or re-infection.
If you are pregnant, you can try using a diluted vinegar soak or spray made from 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water. You can likewise use lotrimin cream two times daily for 2 to 3 weeks on your soles. Prevent taking antifungal pills because they have potential side effects and can cause fetal harm. Ask your OB/GYN before taking or using any athlete’s foot medicine during pregnancy.
