Treating Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection also known as tinea pedis that causes flaking, itching and scaling in the affected areas. As the name implies, the majority of cases affect the foot. It is often accompanied with a fouls smelling odor. The infection is caused by fungi of the genus trichophyton. It is usually transmitted when walking barefoot on moist, wet areas such as bathhouses and around swimming pools which is a thriving habitat for the said fungi.

The most common signs and symptoms of the condition are swelling in between the toes, with flaking, scaling, pain and redness. The infection can also spread to other areas of the body especially to the groin. Infections in the body are called tinea corporis, and tinea cruris or jock itch for infections of the groin.

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be treated with home remedies and over the counter medications. This type of infection can actually respond easily to medications and can be treated easily. Below are the methods that you can apply in order to bust this condition out of your system.

1. The very first thing that you have to do is to seek for medication treatments that can eradicate fungal infections. These meds include different forms such as creams, powders, sprays, liquids, powders and tablets. You may consult your general practitioner with regards to proper application and frequency of application of these medicines especially oral meds.
2. Most medicines are topical medicines which mean you can apply them directly over the affected area. Examples include clotrimazole, nystatin and miconazole nitrate. Another effective treatment includes a solution of 1% potassium permanganate dissolved in hot water.
3. For severe cases, oral meds are also prescribed with the prescription of a physician. These oral meds are itraconazole, griseofulvin and terbinafine. Oral meds are suitable for adults but not for children below 16 years old due to its hepatotoxic effects which means, it can be harmful to the liver.

Applications:

• When it comes to topical antifungal treatments, it is necessary to follow certain guidelines to ensure efficient eradication of the infection. Start by applying the cream or the solution to the affected area up to 4 to 5 cm circumference of normal, unaffected skin. Make sure that your feet are dry before applying the topical med.
• Always wash your hands before and after applying the topical treatment. If possible, you can use gloves to avoid cross contamination to the fingers.
• Make sure to follow the steps included in the medication sheet. Since your rash or swelling may disappear quickly, it is vital to apply for one to two weeks longer to ensure that the fungal infection is eradicated and to avoid reinfection.

Further Prevention

1. There are several things that you can do to prevent this infection from sticking into your soles such as wearing slippers or any type of foot wear when walking on wet surfaces such as bathrooms and locker rooms seem inevitable.
2. Wear clean socks every day.
3. Avoid sharing socks with others.
4. Wash your feet daily especially when you came from the pool of from the great outdoors.
5. After washing, dry your feet thoroughly paying attention to the toes and in between the toes.

Athlete’s foot is easily treated with meds available over the counter and from simple home remedies and prevention tips stated above. Before using any medications, make sure to read the instructions carefully and follow your doctor’s instructions thoroughly. This will prevent cross contamination and will certify relief and treatment from the said infection.