Facebook Pixel

Athlete's Foot Treatments

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 kidney disease , or 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 to 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.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

The Latest in Athlete's Foot Treatments

  • Goldenseal

    Encylopedia entry for Goldenseal.

    GoldensealHydrastis canadensis

ASK Your Health Question

It's FREE and you'll get a response within 24 hours

ASK

POST Info, Tips & Stories

Inspire others to learn from your experiences. Tell your story!

POST
Get Email Updates

Related Topics

Athlete's Foot Guide

Have a question? We're here to help. Ask the Community.

ASK

Health Newsletter

Receive the latest and greatest in women's health and wellness from EmpowHER - for free!