Athlete’s foot

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Antifungal creams to kill the infection at the source.

Combination steroid and antifungal creams for cases of inflamed athlete’s foot.

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Clotrimazole cream 50g courierpharmacy.co.uk

Daktacort Hydrocortisone Cream(30g)

What you should know about athlete’s foot treatments

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes. It causes itching, redness, and flaky skin.

Common symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked or peeling skin between the toes or on the soles of the feet. You may also notice redness and small blisters.

Athlete’s foot is typically treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays. In severe cases, a doctor may prescribe stronger medications.

Yes, athlete’s foot can spread to other areas, such as the hands, nails, and groin, especially if you scratch the infected area and then touch other parts of your body.

Yes, athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces like floors, towels, or shoes.

To prevent athlete’s foot, keep your feet clean and dry, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas, change socks daily, and wear breathable footwear.

If your symptoms persist after two weeks of treatment, worsen, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it’s advisable to see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment.

Additional information

What is Athlete’s Foot?

Understanding Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the feet, especially between the toes. You don’t have to be a sportsman to get it—anyone who wears socks and non-breathable shoes can develop this condition. When your feet sweat in enclosed footwear, it creates a moist environment where fungi thrive, leading to an itchy, sore feeling between your toes.

Causes and Symptoms

Causes:
- Fungi known as dermatophytes, which feed on keratin found in skin, hair, and nails.
- Warm, damp, and humid conditions make it easier for these fungi to grow.
- Contagious in communal areas like showers, swimming pools, and changing rooms.
Symptoms:
- Dry, flaky skin between the toes
- A red, itchy rash in the affected area
- In more severe cases, the infection can spread to other parts of the foot, causing blisters, cracked skin, or even a fungal nail infection.

Diagnosis

Athlete’s foot is usually diagnosed by simply inspecting your feet, especially the areas between your toes. Most cases can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal products. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to consult your GP—diabetics should always seek professional advice due to a higher risk of complications.

Treatment Options

Athlete’s foot is generally easy to treat with antifungal medications and proper foot hygiene. Common treatments include:

Creams and Gels: Apply to clean, dry skin twice a day for 7 to 14 days (e.g., Lamisil, Daktarin, Canesten AF, Clotrimazole).
Powders: Help absorb moisture and prevent re-infection.
Sprays: Offer a convenient application method for hard-to-reach areas.
Once Film Treatments: A single application that creates a protective film over the infected area and works for up to seven days.

It is essential to continue treatment for about seven days after symptoms disappear to ensure the infection is fully cleared. Stopping treatment too early may allow some fungi to survive and cause a recurrence.

Prevention Tips

Preventing athlete’s foot is simple with these steps:

Wash your feet thoroughly every day, including between your toes.
Use antifungal foot powder if you have sweaty feet.
Wear breathable, well-fitting shoes and cotton or cotton-rich socks.
Ensure your feet are completely dry before putting on socks and shoes.
Change your socks regularly and alternate shoes to always have a dry pair.
Air out your feet by removing your shoes when possible.
Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas.
Do not share personal items like towels, shoes, or socks.
Wear flip-flops in communal showers and changing rooms.
Wash towels and bedclothes frequently in a hot wash.

Consequences of Untreated Athlete’s Foot

If left untreated, athlete’s foot can worsen and lead to more serious infections such as cellulitis, which may require additional treatment. Diabetics, in particular, need to consult their GP promptly with any foot-related issues. Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread to other parts of your body, including your toenails and hands, so it is important to treat it quickly.

After completing our online consultation form, you can purchase effective antifungal treatments and related products directly from courierpharmacy.co.uk.