Things You'll Need:
- Shower sandals
- Over the counter or prescription medication
- Lysol
- Clean, white socks
- Soap and water
- Powder
-
Step 1
Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet. There may be an itchy rash on the skin of the feet. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that often grows between the toes. You can get athlete's foot by going barefoot near swimming pools or in locker rooms. You can get it from a friend or relative. There are three kinds of athlete's foot.
-
Step 2
Athlete's foot symptoms:
Infection between the toes.
Skin that is scaly and cracks.
"Moccasin" infections start with redness and itching and then the skin thickens and cracks. The toenails may become infected.
"Vesicular" infections show up as large blisters under the skin, which may get infected. -
Step 3
Treat athlete's foot by putting antifungal medication on the skin. If you have a very bad case, you may need pills to cure it. Be sure to use medication for the amount of time suggested, because athlete's foot is difficult to cure. Wash your hands carefully with soap and water after using medication or touching the feet because these infections can spread to other areas of the body.
-
Step 4
To prevent athlete's foot, wear shower sandals. Clean your shower or tub with Lysol after you use it. Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Use an absorbent powder to keep feet dry. Leather shoes allow the feet to breathe and stay drier. Air out your shoes every two days. Wear cotton socks whenever you have shoes on. Wear cotton socks without shoes at home and change them twice a day.
-
Step 5
Here are some medications used to treat athlete’s foot:
Nonprescription creams include Lamisil AT, Micatin, Lotrimin AF, and Tinactin or Tinaderm. Purchase them at any drug store.
Prescription creams can be prescribed by your doctor if you have a severe infection. They are: Naftin, Mentax, Monistat Derm, and Lotrimin, as well as Griseofulvin.
