Patient Care Instructions for Athlete's Foot
For athlete's foot, patients should apply topical antifungal cream twice daily between the toes for 1 week (or twice daily for 2 weeks if on the bottom/sides of the foot), while maintaining strict foot hygiene and wearing well-fitting, ventilated shoes with daily sock changes. 1
Medication Application
- Wash the affected skin with soap and water and dry completely before applying antifungal cream 1
- Apply terbinafine 1% cream twice daily (morning and night) for 1 week if infection is between the toes 1
- Apply twice daily for 2 weeks if infection is on the bottom or sides of the foot 1
- Wash hands after each application 1
Daily Foot Hygiene
- Wash feet daily with water temperature below 37°C (98.6°F), drying carefully especially between the toes 2
- Keep feet clean and dry with toenails trimmed 3
- Apply the antifungal treatment to completely dry skin—moisture accumulation stimulates bacterial overgrowth that worsens the infection 4
- Never apply moisturizers between the toes, as this creates an environment for bacterial overgrowth 2
Footwear and Sock Management
- Wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes and change shoes and socks at least once daily 1
- Wear sandals or open footwear when possible to enhance evaporation and prevent moisture accumulation 4
- Wear rubber-soled flip-flops or sandals in communal showers to prevent reinfection 5
- Inspect and feel inside all shoes before putting them on 2
- Wear socks without seams (or with seams inside out), and never wear tight or knee-high socks 2
Prevention of Recurrence
- Use foot powder after bathing to maintain dryness 5
- Dry between toes carefully after showers—this is the most critical step in preventing flare-ups 5, 4
- Avoid walking barefoot in locker rooms and shower areas where intimate contact with infecting organisms occurs 3
- Do not share towels or equipment with others 5
Important Warnings
- Do not use footbaths where feet are soaked, as they induce skin maceration and worsen the condition 5
- Properly fitting athletic shoes should be worn to avoid blister formation 3
- Hot weather, sweating, exercise, or tight shoes create moisture that stimulates bacterial overgrowth and causes flare-ups 4
When to Seek Further Care
- Contact your healthcare provider if the infection does not improve after completing the full treatment course 5
- Notify your provider immediately if signs of secondary bacterial infection develop (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or pus) 6
- Athlete's foot often recurs seasonally and may require repeated treatment courses, especially in hot weather 4