From the Guidelines
The recommended treatment for Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is ciclopirox olamine cream or gel (0.77%) applied twice daily to the affected areas for 4 weeks, as it has been shown to be effective in eradicating T pedis and superior to other treatments. This treatment has been evaluated in randomized controlled trials in adults and has proven efficacy against T rubrum, T mentagrophytes, and Epidermophyton floccosum 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Ciclopirox olamine cream or gel (0.77%) has been shown to achieve both clinical and mycological cure in approximately 60% of cases at the end of treatment, and 85% two weeks after treatment 1.
- It is essential to apply the cream or gel to clean, dry feet, extending slightly beyond the affected areas, and continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after symptoms resolve to prevent recurrence.
- Keeping feet clean and dry is crucial during treatment, as the fungus thrives in warm, moist environments.
- Additional measures such as wearing breathable footwear, changing socks daily, thoroughly drying between toes after bathing, and using antifungal powders can help prevent reinfection.
Treatment Considerations
- For mild to moderate cases, over-the-counter preparations may be sufficient, but for severe or resistant infections, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Obesity and diabetes are additional risk factors for T pedis, and patients with these conditions may require closer monitoring and more aggressive treatment 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. Uses • cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
The recommended treatment for Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) is to apply terbinafine (TOP):
- Between the toes only: twice a day (morning and night) for 1 week or as directed by a doctor.
- On the bottom or sides of the foot: twice a day (morning and night) for 2 weeks or as directed by a doctor. It is also recommended to wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily 2. The treatment cures most athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and relieves itching, burning, cracking and scaling which accompany these conditions 2.
From the Research
Treatment Options for Tinea Pedis
- Tinea pedis, also known as athlete's foot, is a superficial fungal infection caused by dermatophytes 3.
- The recommended treatment for tinea pedis includes topical antifungal agents, such as azoles and allylamines 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Topical Treatment
- Topical therapy is generally successful unless the infection covers an extensive area or is resistant to initial therapy 3.
- Terbinafine, an allylamine antifungal, has been shown to be highly effective in treating tinea pedis with a short duration of therapy 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Terbinafine 1% cream applied twice daily for 1 week has been shown to be more effective than clotrimazole 1% cream applied twice daily for 4 weeks 4, 7.
Duration of Treatment
- The duration of treatment for tinea pedis typically ranges from 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the severity of the infection and the antifungal agent used 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Treatment with terbinafine can be as short as 1 week, while treatment with azoles may require 4 weeks 3, 6.