From the FDA Drug Label
Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) 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. The first-line treatment for Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is terbinafine (TOP), applied twice a day for 1 week between the toes or 2 weeks on the bottom or sides of the foot, as directed by a doctor 1. Another option is miconazole (TOP), applied twice daily for 4 weeks 2. Key points to consider:
- Wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily.
- Wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying the treatment.
- Apply the treatment as directed by a doctor, and for the recommended duration.
From the Research
The first-line treatment for tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is topical terbinafine 1% cream or solution, applied twice daily for 1 week, due to its high efficacy and short treatment duration, as demonstrated in the most recent and highest quality study 3.
Key Points to Consider
- Topical antifungal medications are the preferred initial treatment for tinea pedis, with terbinafine being a highly effective option.
- The application of terbinafine 1% cream or solution twice daily for 1 week has been shown to be more effective than longer treatment durations with other antifungals, such as clotrimazole 4, 5.
- In addition to medication, maintaining good foot hygiene, wearing breathable footwear, changing socks daily, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas can help prevent recurrence and improve treatment outcomes.
- For severe or resistant cases, prescription-strength topical antifungals or oral antifungal medications may be necessary, and consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended.
Treatment Duration and Frequency
- The most effective treatment duration for terbinafine is 1 week, with twice daily application, as demonstrated in the study by 3.
- Shorter treatment durations with terbinafine have been shown to be as effective as longer treatment durations with other antifungals, such as clotrimazole 4, 5.
Additional Considerations
- Oral terbinafine has also been shown to be effective in treating tinea pedis, with a 1-week treatment duration being as effective as a 4-week treatment duration with topical clotrimazole 6.
- The use of a film-forming solution of terbinafine may also be an effective option for treating tinea pedis, with the potential for improved compliance and reduced recurrences 7.