Treating Athlete's Foot

Treating Athlete's Foot

After hitting the gym and showering off in the locker room, you developed itchy, burning, flaky feet. At first, you thought they were just dry because of the winter weather. You tried lotions, Vaseline, and warm water soaks, but they still wouldn’t clear up. You made an appointment to see your podiatrist and learned that you are actually suffering from tineas pedis, more commonly known as athlete’s foot. Luckily for you, there are a wide variety of treatment options for the fungal disorder.

Over the Counter Options

Athlete’s foot sometimes responds well to over the counter medicines due to the nature of the fungus. One frequently prescribed over the counter medication is called Lamisil-AT. It is an effective fungal cream that typically begins to work after only a week of treatment. Other creams that also work are Desenex, Lotrimin, Monistat-Derm, and Tinactin. The later four usually require four full weeks of treatment before seeing results but also may be effective at curing the condition.

Is the condition persistent, or all over the sole and top of the foot? Then it requires a special antifungal treatment that a podiatrist can prescribe. Usually, a lotion or spray will not work due to the severity of the fungus. If this occurs or your infection lasts more than two weeks with over the counter treatment, it is important to see a podiatrist right away.

Treating Athlete’s Foot

A foot doctor can diagnose tineas pedis by simply examining the affected foot or feet. In some cases, the podiatrist must take a small scraping of the skin and examine it under a microscope to further evaluate the type of fungus that is causing your symptoms. Other times it is sent to a laboratory for testing. The method varies depending on symptoms and severity.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, the podiatrist will recommend a series of treatment options depending on the length and severity of a patient’s case.

Are your feet itchy, burning, and red after being exposed to a public area that is known for moisture and warmth? Have the itchy and scaly symptoms traveled to your hands as well? This sounds like a case of tineas pedis, and should be treated by a podiatrist promptly. Call Dr. Alan J. Discont and Dr. Krahn of Family Foot & Ankle Care, PC located in Chandler, Arizona. Call 480-732-0033 or make an appointment online today. There they can examine your feet and help determine whether you are suffering from athlete’s foot. If you are, they can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.