Fungal Infections

ATHLETE’S FOOT

OVER THE COUNTER PRODUCTS

In most cases, athletes foot is treated with topical antifungal medication.

·         Anti-fungals

o   EXAMPLES: Tolnaftate (1%) , Imidazoles, Terbinafine Hydrochloride (1%), Butenafine Hydrochloride, Undecylenic Acid

o   FORMS:

§  Tolnaftate (1%) – Solution, Cream, Gel, Powder, Spray

§  Imidazole—Cream, Powder, Spray, Lotion, Solution

§  Terbinafine(1%) – Cream, Spray

§  Butenafine (1%) – Cream  

§  Undecylenic Acid – Powder, Aerosol, Solution, Foam

o   MECHANISM OF ACTION:

§  Tolnaftate (1%) – Fungistatic

§  Imidazole—Fungistatic (at lower concentrations), Fungicidal (at higher concentrations)

§  Terbinafine—Fungicidal

§  Butenafine –Fungicidal

§  Undecylenic Acid – Weakly Fungistatic

o   USES/INDICATIONS:

§  Athlete’s Foot  

o   DIRECTIONS:

§  Tolnaftate (1%)—Use 2x per day for two to four weeks, up to 6 weeks.

§  Imidazoles—Use 2x per day for two to four weeks, up to 6 weeks.

§  TErbinafine (1%) – Use 2x per day for one week, up to 4 weeks.

§  Butenafine 1%-- Use 1x per day for four weeks or 2 x per day for one week.

§  Undecylenic Acid—Use 2x per day for two to four weeks.

·         Aluminum Salts

·         100% Tea Tree Oil

SELF CARE MEASURES

·         Use separate towel to dry feet. Do not share towel with other people.

·         Keep feet clean and dry.

Fungus thrive well in moist environments. So, keep feet clean and dry to create an unfavorable environment for fungus.  

·         Change socks everyday.

·         Alternate shoes.

Give your shoes a chance to air out before wearing them.

·         Ventilate feet as much as possible.

·         Consider foot powders, and odor-controlling insoles.

·         Wear protective footwear in at risk places—such as in locker rooms and public swimming pools. Fungus thrive well in moist environments. So, keep feet clean and dry to create an unfavorable environment for fungus.  

·         Change socks everyday.

·         Alternate shoes.

Give your shoes a chance to air out before wearing them.

·         Ventilate feet as much as possible.

·         Consider foot powders, and odor-controlling insoles.

·         Wear protective footwear in at risk places—such as in locker rooms and public swimming pools.