Athlete’s foot(tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the feet.
It is often found between the toes and on the soles of the feet.
Fortunately, many home remedies and antifungals treat it.
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Some are stronger and work faster than others, with antifungals being the most effective and acting the quickest.
This article explains different treatments for mild athlete’s foot and how to keep it from recurring.
Topical antifungals are usually well-tolerated, and side effects are often site-related pain or itching.
Sweaty feet trapped in socks and shoes are the perfect environment for fungus to thrive and grow.
Sometimes, people with foot symptoms wonder if it’s dry skin or athlete’s foot.
It’s a good question since the athlete’s foot can look like dry skin and other skin conditions.
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Foot Fungus or Something Else?
Symptom Sensations
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If you have athlete’s foot, the sensations may give it away.
Symptom Onset
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Most people notice symptoms a few days to two weeks after exposure.
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Comparing Athletes Foot Treatments
How do you get athlete’s foot to go away?
There are nondrug, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, and prescription treatments.
Prescription-Grade Antifungals
If you require a stronger medication,prescription antifungalsare available.
These oral medications include:
What Happens If Athletes Foot Goes Untreated?
Athlete’s foot will not go away on its own, so it’s important to treat it.
Left untreated, deep cracks and skin breaks can occur.
Many treatments exist, but topical antifungal medicine is the quickest and most effective.
If your at-home efforts don’t work within a couple of weeks, seek help from a healthcare provider.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot include dry, peeling, or inflamed skin.
It typically occurs between the toes.
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American Podiatric Medical Association.Athlete’s foot.
Penn Medicine.What is athlete’s foot?.
Martin-Lopez JE.Athlete’s foot: oral antifungals.BMJ Clin Evid.
Penn Medicine.Athlete’s foot: Not just for athletes.
American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to prevent athlete’s foot.
