There’s more than one type of athlete’s foot, and the treatment for each can vary.
Toe web infections (also known as interdigital infections) are the most common type of athlete’s foot. The infection appears between the toes, most often between the fourth and fifth toes. Toe web infections can often be treated using nonprescription antifungal creams and/or lotions. Keeping your feet clean and dry can help the infection clear up faster — and stay away afterwards. For a severe infection, you may need a prescription antifungal medication from your doctor.
A moccasin-type infection leads to scaly, thickened skin on the heel and sole of the foot, and can also lead to toenail infections. This type of athlete’s foot can be very difficult to treat because the skin on the sole of the foot is very thick. Nonprescription medicines may not be strong enough to penetrate the thick skin, so you may need a prescription lotion or cream. You may also need an oral medication to clear up moccasin-type athlete’s foot.
Vesicular infections — blisters — generally appear on the instep of the foot but can also appear between the toes, on the sole of the foot, on the top of the foot, or on the heel. This is a fungal infection that may come with a bacterial infection, but it is the least common type of athlete’s foot. Treatment involves drying out the blisters, then applying an antifungal cream. You may also need oral antibiotics or corticosteroids for a bacterial infection. A doctor may remove the tops of the blisters and instruct you on foot soaking; you can also soak your feet at home using Burow’s solution several times daily until the blisters dry out.
None of these are really what you’d consider pleasant. So how do you prevent athlete’s foot?
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
- Dry carefully between your toes after swimming and bathing.
- Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
- Wear cotton socks to absorb sweat. Change your socks as often as necessary.
- Take your shoes off when indoors, but leave socks on.
- Use powder to help keep your feet dry.
- Let your shoes air out for at least twenty-four hours before wearing them again.
- Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public pools and public showers.