What is the treatment for athlete's foot?

From the Guidelines

The treatment for athlete's foot typically involves antifungal medications applied directly to the affected skin, such as clotrimazole, miconazole, or terbinafine, which should be applied to clean, dry feet twice daily for 1-2 weeks. When considering the treatment for athlete's foot, it is essential to understand the causes and risk factors associated with the condition. According to a study published in Pediatrics in 2017 1, T pedis (athlete’s foot) is often itchy and presents as a fine scaly or vesiculopustular eruption, commonly involving the fissures and scaling between toes. The study highlights that the predominant causes are T rubrum and T mentagrophytes, which spread via direct contact with the organism, and are prevalent in warm, humid environments. Some key points to consider when treating athlete's foot include:

• Applying antifungal medications to clean, dry feet twice daily for 1-2 weeks, continuing for at least one week after symptoms disappear
• Using over-the-counter options like clotrimazole (Lotrimin), miconazole (Desenex), or terbinafine (Lamisil)
• Considering prescription-strength medications like oral terbinafine (250mg daily for 2 weeks) or itraconazole for more severe infections
• Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks daily, wearing breathable footwear, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas to prevent the spread of the infection. It is crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms persist after two weeks of treatment, or if the infection is accompanied by significant pain, swelling, or drainage.

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. Directions wash affected area and dry thoroughly apply a thin layer over affected area twice daily (morning and night) or as directed by a doctor supervise children in the use of this product for athlete's foot: pay special attention to spaces between the toes; wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily for athlete's foot and ringworm, use daily for 4 weeks; for jock itch, use daily for 2 weeks if condition persists longer, consult a doctor Uses ▪ Proven effective in the treatment of most athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and ringworm (tinea corporis) ▪ For effective relief of itching, burning and cracking.

The treatment for athlete's foot includes:

• Applying terbinafine (TOP) twice a day for 1 week (between the toes) or 2 weeks (on the bottom or sides of the foot) 2
• Applying tolnaftate (TOP) twice daily for 4 weeks 3
• Using undecylenic acid (TOP) for effective relief of itching, burning, and cracking 4
• Wearing well-fitting, ventilated shoes and changing shoes and socks at least once daily
• Washing the affected area with soap and water and drying thoroughly before applying the treatment.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Athlete's Foot

The treatment for athlete's foot can be divided into topical and oral treatments.

• Topical treatments include improved foot hygiene, topical allylamines (naftifine, terbinafine), topical azoles, and topical ciclopirox olamine 5, 6.
• Oral treatments are usually used for chronic conditions or when topical treatment has failed, and include terbinafine, griseofulvin, itraconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole 7, 8, 9.

Effectiveness of Treatments

• Terbinafine has been shown to be more effective than griseofulvin in treating athlete's foot 7, 8, 9.
• Terbinafine and itraconazole have been shown to be more effective than no treatment 8, 9.
• Topical treatments have been shown to be effective in treating athlete's foot, with terbinafine being a commonly used treatment 5, 6.

Safety of Treatments

• All drugs used to treat athlete's foot can have adverse effects, with gastrointestinal effects being the most commonly reported 8, 9.
• The safety of treatments should be considered when choosing a treatment option, and patients should be monitored for any adverse effects 8, 9.

Conclusion is not allowed, so the response will be ended here with the last point.

• It is essential to follow the treatment regimen as directed and to practice good foot hygiene to help prevent the spread of the infection and to promote healing 5, 6.