Tinea pedis

Alternative names:

athlete's foot; fungal infection of the feet; infection - fungal (feet); tinea of the foot

Treatment:

Care should be taken to not overtreat athlete's foot, because overtreatment can cause side effects.

Athlete's foot usually responds to self-care:
Keep the skin clean and dry. Wash thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area carefully and completely. Blow-drying the feet with a hair dryer removes excess water from the outer layers of skin and is more effective than drying with a towel. Wear clean socks and change socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep the feet dry. (See Prevention.) Topical over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams, such as those that contain miconazole or clotrimazole, may be used to control the infection.

Severe or chronic infection may require further treatment by the health care provider. Oral antifungal medications may be given. Other topical antifungal medications, such as ketoconazole or sulconazole, may be needed. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Wet dressings or medicated soaks are used to clean raw, wet or weeping lesions. Dry, scaly lesions may respond to topical creams or lotions.

Expectations (prognosis):

Athlete's foot infections range from mild to severe. They may persist or recur but generally respond to treatment. Long-term medication and preventive measures may be needed.

Complications:

• recurrence of athlete's foot
• secondary bacterial skin infections such as, cellulitis
• lymphangitis, lymphadenitis
• overtreatment dermatitis
• systemic side effects of medications (see the specific medication)

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if athlete's foot symptoms do not respond to self-care measures.