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Symptoms of tinea pedis are myriad, though the chances of experiencing all of them is rare. They include itching, stinging, or burning between the toes and on the soles of the feet; itchy blisters; cracking and peeling of the skin, usually between the toes or on the soles of the feet; dry, flaky skin on the bottoms and sides of the feet; and discolored, misshapen and painful toenails.
At times onychomycosis may develop, which is a fungal infection of the toenail. -
Treating athlete's foot is most effective when begun early and at the onset of symptoms. The first step is to change the conditions in which the fungus easily thrives. This includes wearing open-toed shoes, changing socks frequently, and applying powder to the feet to absorb moisture. These are also basic preventative measures and should be followed daily, especially if you're active.
Alternative and at-home treatments include wet dressings, compresses, and soaking the infected foot in vinegar. This can help with blisters and soggy skin. -
Antifungal medications known as imidazole drugs are typically used to treat athlete's foot and come in a variety of forms. They work by preventing the growth and reproduction of fungal cells, and attacking the enzymes of the fungal cell walls.
Over-the-counter topical antifungal medications include Lotrimin® and Absorbine Jr.®, the active of ingredients of which are clotrimazole and miconazole. These are available in a powder, cream, spray and liquid. Side effects are limited and can include gastrointestinal problems (usually mild) and liver and kidney enzyme problems. Other imidazoles drugs include itraconazole, available as Sporanox® in capsule form (prescription only), and tolnaftate, available as Desenex® and Tinactin® (over-the-counter).
More severe or stubborn cases of tinea pedis can be treated with allylamines, available in prescription medications that work building up a number of compounds toxic to fungi. They include terbinafine (also contained in Lamisil®) and naftifine, found in Naftin®. -
Should the tinea pedis infection become systemic (affecting the body), stronger antifungal prescription medications may be used. These may include Fulvicin® and Grisactin®, the active ingredient of which is griseofulvin, and occasionally concentrated forms of terbinafine and itraconazole.
The use of griseofulvin can cause side effects such as nausea, headaches and numbness. Because of these side effects, this medication is only used when all other options have been exhausted.
