What is the recommended treatment and prevention for jock itch and athlete's foot?

From the Guidelines

For jock itch and athlete's foot, treatment typically involves over-the-counter antifungal medications such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine applied twice daily for 1-2 weeks, continuing for at least one week after symptoms resolve, as these infections thrive in warm, moist environments and can be prevented with good hygiene practices 1.

Key Points for Patient Education

• Jock itch and athlete's foot are fungal infections that can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, and prevented by keeping the affected areas clean and dry, wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and clean socks, and changing out of wet clothes promptly 1.
• It is essential to avoid walking barefoot in public areas, use separate towels for affected areas, and apply antifungal powders preventatively if prone to recurrence, as these practices can help reduce the risk of infection 1.
• Athletes should be taught proper personal hygiene, such as hand-washing, showering, and proper laundering of uniforms and practice clothing on a daily or regular basis, to reduce the risk of skin infections 1.
• Avoidance of sharing personal items, such as towels, mouth guards, and razors, is also crucial in reducing the risk of infectious diseases, including jock itch and athlete's foot 1.

Prevention Strategies

• Regular cleaning of facilities and equipment, such as weight rooms, railings, mats, and locker rooms, can help prevent the spread of fungal infections 1.
• Athletic programs should develop a plan for proper cleaning and maintenance of a sanitary sporting environment, using guidelines such as those published by the American College of Sports Medicine 1.
• Individuals with diabetes should follow specific guidelines for foot care, including daily washing and drying of the feet, use of emollients to moisturize dry skin, and examination of the feet for any signs of infection or damage 1.

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. ▪ on the bottom or sides of the foot: apply twice a day (morning and night) for 2 weeks or as directed by a doctor. o for jock itch and ringworm: apply once a day (morning or night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor. o wash hands after each use Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) • cures most jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis) • relieves itching, burning, cracking and scaling which accompany these conditions

To educate patients about jock itch and athlete's foot, the following key points should be emphasized:

• Treatment: Apply terbinafine cream twice a day for 1 week for athlete's foot between the toes, and for 2 weeks on the bottom or sides of the foot. For jock itch, apply once a day for 1 week.
• Prevention: Wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily to prevent athlete's foot.
• Hygiene: Wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying the cream, and wash hands after each use.
• Relief: Terbinafine cream can relieve itching, burning, cracking, and scaling associated with these conditions, as stated in the drug label 2 and 2.

From the Research

Jock Itch and Athlete's Foot Education

Jock itch and athlete's foot are common fungal infections that can be treated and prevented with proper care.

• Jock itch, also known as tinea cruris, is a fungal infection of the skin in the groin area, while athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet.
• Both conditions can be caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments.

Treatment Options

Treatment for jock itch and athlete's foot typically involves the use of antifungal medications, such as terbinafine or clotrimazole.

• Studies have shown that terbinafine is a highly effective treatment for both conditions, with mycological cure rates ranging from 71% to 97% 3, 4, 5.
• Clotrimazole has also been shown to be effective, but may require longer treatment durations 3, 4, 5.
• Oral terbinafine has been compared to topical clotrimazole in the treatment of interdigital tinea pedis, with similar mycological cure rates 4.
• A study comparing 250 mg and 500 mg oral terbinafine found no significant difference in efficacy or safety for the treatment of tinea corporis and cruris 6.
• Terbinafine 1% emulsion-gel has also been compared to ketoconazole 2% cream in the treatment of tinea cruris and tinea corporis, with terbinafine showing higher mycological cure rates 7.

Prevention

Prevention of jock itch and athlete's foot involves keeping the affected area clean and dry, and using antifungal powders or sprays to help prevent the growth of fungus.

• Wearing breathable clothing and changing socks regularly can also help to prevent the development of these conditions.
• Avoiding sharing personal care items, such as towels or razors, can also help to prevent the spread of fungal infections.
• Treating jock itch and athlete's foot promptly can help to prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the body, and can also help to prevent the development of more serious complications.