Q: I have athlete’s foot and the inflammation and itching are bothersome. What can I do to treat it — and to keep it from coming back?
A: Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus, usually occurring between the toes or on the soles of the feet. It is encouraged by a warm, damp environment inside the shoe. The warmth and dampness of the areas around locker rooms and swimming pools can encourage the spread of athlete’s foot. (Not all foot rashes and irritations are athlete’s foot. So you’ll want to get a diagnosis confirmed by your doctor.) Signs of athlete’s foot include dry skin, itching, scaling, inflammation and blisters. Good foot hygiene is the best defense. Wash your feet daily with soap and water; dry them carefully, especially between the toes; and change your shoes and socks regularly to decrease moisture. Using a good-quality foot powder can be helpful. If you shower or change in a public locker room, bring your own sandals and avoid going barefoot. There are a number of effective medications to help treat and control this fungal infection. Your doctor can recommend the best over-the-counter medication for you or will prescribe prescription medication if needed. Different types of anti-fungal medications can be applied topically or taken by mouth. If the infection is caused by bacteria, an antibiotic may be prescribed.
—Source: American Podiatric Medical Association
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, April 2014
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