What are the treatment options for athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot. It can cause itching, peeling, scaling, soreness, or cracks between the toes and on the soles. Moist footwear, communal changing areas, and damp skin can help the fungus persist. Treatment works best when the medicine is paired with habits that reduce moisture and reinfection.

Use the recommended topical antifungal treatment exactly as directed and continue for the advised course, even if the skin starts to look clearer. Wash and dry carefully between the toes, change socks when damp, rotate shoes, and avoid sharing towels or footwear. A clinician may consider oral antifungal treatment when topical medicine has not cleared the infection, when larger areas are involved, or when the nails or surrounding skin may also be affected. Do not use a steroid cream alone on a suspected fungal rash because it can hide changes while the infection continues.

Seek medical advice if symptoms do not improve with correct topical use, return repeatedly, involve the nails, or make walking difficult. Prompt assessment is needed for spreading redness, marked swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly worsening pain. People with diabetes, reduced circulation, or a weakened immune system should seek advice early when foot skin breaks down.

Ask whether the rash is fungal, which topical antifungal treatment fits it, how long treatment should continue, and whether oral treatment or nail assessment is needed.