FAQs
Who Can Treat My Athlete's Foot? | OC Skin Institute? ›
For relief from a stubborn case of athletes' foot, please see a podiatrist who can prescribe stronger antifungal medications. Athlete's foot is an inconvenient condition that can be easily reduced with the proper treatment.
What type of doctor treats severe athlete's foot? ›It is a fungal skin infection that commonly begins between the toes. In some cases, over-the-counter topical drugs can treat athlete's foot. However, if your symptoms persist, it's time to see a foot and ankle doctor.
Should I go to a dermatologist or podiatrist for athlete's foot? ›Most cases are effectively treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, powders, and soaps. However, if the problem worsens or does not get better with over-the-counter treatments, see a dermatologist.
What is the ultimate cure for athlete's foot? ›Wash your feet twice a day and gently towel-dry between the toes. Use an antifungal product. After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective.
Can you ever fully get rid of an athlete's foot? ›The most crucial part of treating an athlete's foot infection is to cure it completely. That's because even with medical attention, the fungus can come back if your feet are exposed to the same conditions that caused it. For this reason, some people have recurring problems with athlete's foot.
What is the strongest medicine for athlete's foot? ›The tablets taken to treat athlete's foot generally contain the active ingredients itraconazole or terbinafine. Itraconazole is usually taken once daily for four weeks (dose: 100 mg). Terbinafine is typically taken once daily for two weeks (dose: 250 mg).
What is an extreme case of athlete's foot? ›In severe cases of athlete's foot, you may develop fluid-filled blisters or open sores. Blisters often appear on the bottoms of your feet, but they may develop anywhere on your feet. Open sores often appear between your toes, but they may appear on the bottoms of your feet. Your feet may also smell bad.
Should I wear socks to bed with an athlete's foot? ›If you have athlete's foot, it's a good idea to wear socks to bed, especially if you share your bed with another person. This can help prevent transmitting the fungus to others. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection caused by a ringworm.
Why is my athlete's foot not healing? ›If athlete's foot does not get better in 2 to 4 weeks with self-care, or frequently returns, see your provider. Your provider may prescribe: Antifungal medicines to take by mouth. Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that occur from scratching.
What can be mistaken for athlete's foot? ›Certain conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, among other things, can also look very much like Athlete's foot. Sometimes, if the skin barrier is compromised, a secondary bacterial infection can occur.
Does hydrogen peroxide cure athlete's foot? ›
You can treat athlete's foot at home with OTC antifungal creams, lotions, and powders. Home remedies like tea tree oil and hydrogen peroxide can ease symptoms, but they won't cure athlete's foot on their own.
When is athlete's foot no longer contagious? ›How Long Is Athlete's Foot Contagious? As long as the fungus is still on the skin of the feet, even during treatment, you can still pass it on to others.
Is Epsom salt good for athlete's foot? ›You can even use Epsom salt baths to relieve a number of foot complaints and conditions, including: Athlete's Foot: While Epsom salts don't kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot, it can help draw the moisture out. This makes the environment much less inviting for fungus.
What happens if you have athlete's foot for too long? ›Although athlete's foot is usually referred to as a nuisance, letting it go untreated can lead to serious problems that impact more of your body than just your feet. At an advanced stage, athlete's foot may cause you to experience: Blisters that spread to your toenails and across your soles.
Which laundry detergent kills fungus? ›When used in the pre-wash cycle in the washing machine, Eradicil sanitises and disinfects your laundry, eradicating fungal infections, bacteria and germs that cling to socks, stockings and tights, underwear, towels, bath mats, sheets and bedding.
Why do I have permanent athlete's foot? ›Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth. Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
What's the worst athlete's foot can get? ›- Blisters that spread to your toenails and across your soles.
- Pus oozing from affected spots.
- A foul smell.
- Onychomycosis, where your nails become thick, yellow, and separate from the nailbed.
Podiatrists are also experienced in treating complications from Athlete's foot. They can treat fungal infections that have spread or have progressed to blisters or cellulitis. Athlete's foot may seem like a superficial issue, but it can cause severe discomfort and lead to complications.
How do you know if athlete's foot is serious? ›Your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, especially if there are red streaks or pain. These are signs of a possible bacterial infection. Other signs include pus, drainage, and fever. Athlete's foot symptoms do not go away within 2 to 4 weeks of self-care treatments.
Does a dermatologist treat foot fungus? ›If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines.