Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. While often treatable with over-the-counter antifungal creams, proper application is important for successful results. These creams directly target the fungi, ensuring the infection clears effectively.
Preparing Your Feet for Treatment
Preparing your feet enhances the cream’s effectiveness. Begin by thoroughly washing your feet with soap and water, paying close attention to the spaces between your toes and any other areas showing signs of infection. This step helps remove dirt, sweat, and loose skin that could hinder absorption.
After washing, completely dry your feet, which is important as fungi thrive in moist environments. Use a clean towel to pat your feet dry, ensuring all moisture is removed, especially between the toes. A hairdryer on a cool setting can be helpful for drying difficult-to-reach areas like between the toes, as air-drying alone may not be sufficient.
Step-by-Step Application
Once your feet are clean and dry, apply the antifungal cream. Squeeze a small amount of cream onto your finger, enough to create a thin layer over the affected skin. The specific amount may vary by product, so always consult the instructions on the packaging.
Apply the cream not only to the visibly infected areas but also to the surrounding skin, extending about two centimeters beyond the edges of the rash. This wider coverage helps ensure any fungal spores that may have spread beyond the obvious infection are also treated. Apply the cream between all toes, even those that do not appear infected, as the fungus can easily spread in these warm, moist spaces. Gently rub the cream into the skin until it is absorbed.
Immediately after applying the cream, wash your hands with soap and water. This prevents the spread of the fungus to other body parts or individuals.
Duration and Follow-Up
Consistent application of the antifungal cream is important for treating athlete’s foot. Most over-the-counter creams require application once or twice daily, and treatment should continue for the duration recommended on the product label, typically between two to four weeks. Continue using the cream for at least one to two weeks after symptoms disappear to ensure the fungus is completely eradicated and prevent recurrence. Stopping treatment too soon, even if symptoms improve, can allow the fungus to regrow.
To prevent recurrence, incorporate certain hygiene practices into your daily routine. Regularly change socks, opting for clean cotton or moisture-wicking materials. Allow shoes to air out completely between wearings, and consider alternating pairs of shoes daily. Avoid walking barefoot in public damp areas, such as locker rooms or swimming pools, by wearing sandals or flip-flops. If symptoms worsen, do not improve after two to four weeks of consistent treatment, or if the infection spreads, becomes severely painful, or shows signs of bacterial infection like pus or red streaks, consulting a medical professional is advisable. Individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, should also seek medical attention if they suspect athlete’s foot.