What is athletes foot treatment

People who do not wash their hands immediately after touching the affected area on their foot are at higher risk. If the patient scratches the affected area and touches other parts of the body, the infection can spread.

After touching the affected area, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water. However, a doctor may want to rule out other conditions, such as dermatitis, psoriasis , or a low-grade skin infection. The most common test is known as skin lesion potassium hydroxide. In this test, the doctor scrapes a sample of infected tissue and places it in potassium hydroxide KOH. The KOH solution destroys human cells, leaving only the fungal cells.

These can be viewed using a microscope. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe a more powerful antifungal medication, which is usually swallowed.

Most topical medications can be bought OTC. Topical means it is applied directly onto the skin. A pharmacist may recommend one of the following antifungal medications:.

A range of topical antifungal medications are available for purchase online. These oral medications might be prescribed by a doctor, either because symptoms are severe, or if the topical medicines did not work:. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of oral antifungals. Oral antifungals may also affect how some anticoagulant drugs work. Elderly patients and young children should not be given some types of antifungals. Check with a pharmacist, doctor, or nurse, or read the leaflet that comes with the medication carefully.

Dosages may be different for children. As an integral part of your everyday life, your feet experience a lot of wear and tear. You're likely to develop foot problems over time as a result.

You can contract ringworm on almost any part of your body, including your feet. When it infects your feet, it's commonly called athlete's foot…. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Long-term outlook. Read this next. How to Make a Vinegar Foot Soak. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Daniel Bubnis, M.

Jock Itch: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments. Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often comes back. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that causes scaly rash that may itch, sting or burn. If you have a rash on your foot that doesn't improve within two weeks of beginning self-treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal product, see your doctor. If you have diabetes, see your doctor if you suspect that you have athlete's foot.

Also see your doctor if you have signs of an infection — swelling of the affected area, pus, fever. Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungi dermatophytes that cause ringworm and jock itch. 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. You can also spread it from the foot to other parts of the body, especially if you scratch or pick the infected parts of your foot.

The athlete's foot infection can spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete's foot. It's common for the infection to spread from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on hands or towels. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Changing socks at least once a day when feet feel sweaty or damp is also helpful. Or, in warmer weather, wear open shoes or sandals to increase airflow to the feet.

Baking soda is an item most people have readily available. A study in Mycopathologia found that sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda, does have antifungal abilities when used on the skin. To make a foot soak, mix about a half cup of baking soda in a large bucket or basin of warm water.

Soak feet for 15 to 20 minutes, twice a day. When done, dry the feet thoroughly but do not rinse. If home remedies do not work or the problem has been going on for more than 2 weeks, a doctor or podiatrist may need to help.

A doctor may prescribe antifungal creams or medicines if the infection does not respond to at-home treatments. It can spread from person to person and thrives in damp, warm areas.

It is also good to practice these tips to avoid getting a repeat infection or spreading it to others. Those with certain health conditions, such as diabetes , should skip the home remedies and call a doctor right away if they notice problems with their feet. Even minor cracks and wounds on the feet can quickly become infected in some people with diabetes. Fortunately, this common problem can usually be cured without complications.

If the problem spreads, get worse, or does not respond to these home remedies, people should seek the advice of a doctor or podiatrist. Prescription products are usually very effective when used as prescribed. If you want to buy any of the home remedies listed in this article, then they are available online. Read this article in Spanish.

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