From the Guidelines
To treat toe jam, focus on daily hygiene and keeping the area dry, as recommended by general medical principles and guidelines for skin and soft tissue infections 1. The goal is to prevent the accumulation of dead skin cells, sweat, and bacteria that can lead to odor, irritation, or fungal infections like athlete's foot. Some key points to consider when treating toe jam include:
- Washing feet thoroughly with soap and warm water daily, paying special attention to the spaces between the toes
- Drying feet completely, especially between the toes, after washing
- Applying an antifungal powder or cream if there are signs of fungal infection
- Wearing clean, moisture-wicking socks and breathable footwear
- Soaking feet in warm water with Epsom salt for persistent cases It's essential to note that while guidelines for diabetic foot infections 2, 3, 4 provide valuable information on managing infections, they may not directly address toe jam treatment. However, the principles of keeping the area clean and dry, as well as managing fungal infections, can be applied to toe jam treatment. In terms of specific treatments, there is limited evidence to support the use of topical antibiotics for toe jam or similar conditions 4. Therefore, the most effective approach to treating toe jam is to focus on daily hygiene and preventative measures, rather than relying on topical antibiotics or other treatments. By prioritizing hygiene and preventative care, individuals can reduce the risk of complications and promote healthy foot care.
From the FDA Drug Label
Directions • adults and children 12 years and older o use the tip of the cap to break the seal and open the tube o wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying o for athlete's foot wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes. Change shoes and socks at least once daily. ▪ between the toes only: apply twice a day (morning and night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor. Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
The treatment for toe jam, which is likely related to athlete's foot, involves applying terbinafine (TOP) twice a day (morning and night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor, specifically between the toes 5. It is also important to wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying, and to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily 5.
From the Research
Toe Jam Treatment
- Toe jam, also known as toe cheese or foot odor, can be caused by fungal infections, among other factors.
- Fungal infections of the skin can be treated with topical therapies, which work well to rid the skin of fungi and yeasts 6.
- Topical antifungal agents can be classified into two main categories: fungistatic and fungicidal.
- Fungistatic agents, such as azole drugs (miconazole, clotrimazole, and ketoconazole), limit fungal growth but depend on epidermal turnover to shed the still-living fungus from the skin surface 6.
- Fungicidal agents, such as allylamines and benzylamines (terbinafine, naftifine, and butenafine), actually kill the fungal organisms and are often preferred over fungistatic drugs for treatment of dermatophytic fungal infections 6.
- The choice of treatment may depend on the type of infection, with azole drugs often preferred for yeast infections such as those caused by Candida albicans 6.
- Topical therapies may not be effective for nail infections, as the infections usually occur under the nail instead of on top of it, and products penetrate poorly through the nail plate 6.