Athlete’s Foot Treatment in Austin, Texas
Athlete’s foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot may last for a short or long time and may come back after treatment.
The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes. The affected area is usually red and itchy. You may feel burning or stinging, and there may be blisters, oozing or crusting. In addition to the toes, the symptoms can also occur on the heels, palms and between the fingers.
Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can help control the infection. These generally contain miconazole, clotrimazole or tolnaftate. In addition, you should:
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between your toes.
- Wash your feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area very carefully and completely. Try to do this at least twice a day.
- Wear clean, cotton socks and change your socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep your feet dry.
Severe, ongoing infections that don’t respond to 2 – 4 weeks of self-care, and frequently recurring athlete’s foot, may require further treatment by your health care provider. Stronger, prescription antifungal medications may be needed. These include topical medicines, like ketoconazole or terbinafine, and pills. Antibiotics may be necessary to treat secondary bacterial infections that occur in addition to the fungus (for example, from scratching).
For treatment for your athlete’s foot, call our well-trained and experienced staff today!
