Beating Athlete's Foot: Prevention, Treatment, and Everyday Tips for Healthy Feet
Foot care problems are common. The feet take the body's weight and are constantly on the move. A quarter of human bones are found in the feet alone. Therefore, it is unsurprising that there is a range of common foot ailments, including verrucas, warts, athlete's foot, cracked heels, and fungal nail infections. These ailments share standard features of discomfort, embarrassment, and social avoidance. However, these conditions are generally treatable over the counter.
Athlete's foot is a common contagious fungal skin infection caused by the tinea pedis fungus. It is more common in people whose feet are usually wet or sweaty. Athletes' foot is generally passed on to others through social settings, e.g., swimming pools, communal showers, and damp changing rooms, and flourish in warm, moist environments.
Symptoms of athlete's foot
Symptoms of athlete's foot include:
- Cracked, red or sore skin
- An itchy, scaly rash between the toes, particularly the fourth and fifth toe
- White, inflamed or weepy skin
Note - Eczema and dermatitis are usually confused with athlete's foot; however, the latter affects the space between the toes.
Over-the-counter treatments for athlete’s foot
Canesten Athlete's Foot 1%w/w Cream
- Thoroughly wash hands and feet and dry them before applying the cream.
- Apply the cream three times daily to the affected area.
Canesten Bifonazole Once Daily Athlete's Foot 1%w/w Cream
- Thoroughly wash hands and feet and dry them before applying the cream.
- Apply thiCreamnce daily for up to 3 weeks.
Canesten Hydrocortisone Athlete's Foot 1%w/w Cream
- Apply thin cream daily to the affected area.
- Thoroughly wash hands and feet and dry them before applying the cream.
- Suitable Creamnyone over the age of 10.
- Note: This product contains a steroid, therefore should only be applied for a maximum of 7 days.
Daktarin Aktiv Spray Powder for Athletes Foot - 100ml
- Wash and dry the affected area. Liberally spray the affected area twice daily, including the inside of socks and shoes.
Daktarin Intensiv Cream - 15g
- Thoroughly wash hands and feet and dry them before applying the cream.
- Apply thinly. Repeat twice daily on the infected area and surrounding skin.
Lamisil AT 1% Cream
- Apply once daily.
- Thoroughly wash hands and feet and dry them before applying the cream.
Lamisil AT 1% Gel
- Thoroughly wash hands and feet and dry them before applying the cream.
- Apply once daily.
Mycota Athletes Foot Cream - 25g
- Apply twice daily to the affected area.
Mycota Athletes Foot Powder - 70g
- Wash and dry the affected areas and apply in the morning and evening (preferably after using Mycota Cream).
When should I see my GP?
- If you have a weakened immune system or are taking immunosuppressants
- If you have diabetes*
- If the toenails are affected
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- If the infection is causing pain
- If you have signs of infection, e.g. hot, inflamed or weepy skin
- If your symptoms do not improve after using athlete’s foot treatment
- If there are signs of secondary infection, i.e. your symptoms are different to or not limited to the symptoms listed above
- If you have any conditions which affect blood flow
*If diabetic, check your feet daily for foot infections and health. Do not delay seeking medical advice from your doctor if you develop foot-related issues, as it may be a sign of poorly controlled blood glucose levels, even if you do not have any other symptoms.
