Embarrassing Illnesses

Most people will be able to treat athlete's foot at home. This type of fungal infection tends to be mild, and usually responds quickly to treatment.

Most cases of athlete's foot can be treated using some self-care steps and an antifungal medicine. However, if your infection is more severe you may have to visit your GP who will prescribe you some stronger medication.

If the infection is left untreated, it can sometimes spread to your toenails, and other parts of your body, such as the palms of your hands. Untreated cases of athlete's foot can also lead to complications, such as bacterial infection (see 'complications').

Self-care

There are a number of steps that you can take to help treat your athlete's foot, some of which are outlined below.

• Wash your feet frequently and thoroughly with soap and water.
• After washing, make sure you dry your feet, and pay particular attention to the areas in between your toes.
• Always wear clean cotton socks.
• Change your shoes and socks regularly to keep your feet dry, particularly after exercising.

Antifungal treatment

Antifungal medication will help to kill the fungi causing your infection. This type of medicine is available in several different forms including:

• creams,
• sprays,
• liquids, and
• powders

Antifungal medicines for athlete's foot are widely available over-the-counter (OTC), and it will normally depend on personal preference as to what form of antifungal medicine you use. Ask your pharmacist about which antifungal medicine would be most suitable for you.

The types of antifungal medicine available include:

• terbinafire,
• clotromazole,
• econazole,
• ketoconazole,
• miconazole, and
• sulconazole.

All of these medicines are effective in treating athlete's foot. They may have different brand names, so ask your GP or pharmacist if you need advice about which one to choose.

How to use antifungal medicines

When using antifungal medication, you should make sure you apply it directly to the rash and the surrounding 4-6cm of normal healthy skin. You should also make sure that the area is dry before you apply the treatment.

Sometimes, your skin may be infected with the fungus without showing any symptoms. It is therefore important to treat the surrounding 4-6cm of skin to help prevent re-infection. Always wash your hands both before and after you apply the treatment.

You should apply your antifungal treatment for as long as recommended in the instructions which come with the medicine. This is because some antifungal medicines have to be used for longer than others in order for them to be effective.

Although your rash may disappear quickly, this does not necessarily mean that your infection has been completely treated. You may have to use your medication for 1-2 weeks after your symptoms have gone to ensure the infection is successfully treated.

Hydrocortisone treatment

If your rash is making your skin particularly sore and swollen, you may want to use an antifungal treatment which contains an ingredient known as hydrocortisone. Treatments with low doses of hydrocortisone are available over-the-counter (OTC). If your athlete's foot is more severe, your GP may prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone treatment for you.

Hydrocortisone helps to reduce inflammation, and will also help ease irritation and itching. You should follow the instructions which come with the treatment.

However, hydrocortisone cannot be used for longer than seven days. If necessary, you will have to use an alternative antifungal treatment (one which does not contain hydrocortisone) until your infection is completely treated.

When to see your GP

You should see your GP if your athlete's foot does not show any signs of improvement after two weeks. You should also see your GP if the infection is causing you significant pain or discomfort. They will normally be able to prescribe a stronger antifungal medicine for you which will often be in tablet form.

If you have developed a secondary infection as a result of your athlete's foot, you may be prescribed antibiotics to treat it.