Treating Athlete's Foot

A week ago, you visited your podiatrist because of itchy, burning, cracked feet. No matter how much lotion and Vaseline you used, the dryness just wouldn’t go away. After a quick exam and a series of questions, your podiatrist determined that you were suffering from athlete’s foot. You sighed in relief, happy to know the condition wasn’t life-threatening and then waited to hear how to treat the problem.

Treating Athlete's Foot

A podiatrist can diagnose tineas pedis by simply examining the affected foot or feet. Sometimes it is necessary for the podiatrist to take a small scraping of the skin and examine it under a microscope. Other times it is sent to a laboratory for testing. The culture is examined to see if the fungus that causes athlete’s foot is present.

Once the results are in, the podiatrist will recommend a series of treatment options depending on the length and severity of an individual’s case.

Often times, over the counter antifungal creams and spray can stop athlete’s feet in its tracks. Many cases even clear up in about two weeks. Unfortunately, athletes and others who constantly suffer from wet and damp feet know that it is very easy to have their case of athlete’s foot reoccur. Because of this, many sufferers use medicated powders and sprays as a defense to help keep the condition away.

Over the Counter Options

Usually, athlete’s foot responds well to over the counter medications due to the nature of the fungus. One commonly prescribed over the counter medication is called Lamisil-AT. It is an effective over the counter fungal cream that is typically effective after one week of treatment. Other creams that also work are Desenex, Lotrimin, Monistat-Derm, and Tinactin. The later four usually require four full weeks of treatment before seeing results.

If athlete’s foot appears on the entire sole or top of the foot, then it requires a special antifungal treatment. Usually, a lotion or spray will be ineffective. If this occurs, or your infection lasts more than two weeks, it is important to see a podiatrist right away. Call Dr. Andrew H. Cohen of Mid-Michigan Foot & Ankle Center, located in Saginaw and Bay City, Michigan. Call 989-790-8009 or make an appointment online today. Don’t suffer more than you have to.

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