How to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Jul 28, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Athlete’s foot can be treated with medications and lifestyle modifications. Under a physician’s guidance, topical agents such as boric acid solution, rivanol (ethacridine lactate), and miconazole powder may be used; these agents possess antifungal and local drying properties. Additionally, oral antifungal medications—including itraconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine—may also be prescribed under medical supervision.
Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection. The primary site of infection is the web spaces between the toes. Most cases of athlete’s foot are contagious and may lead to secondary complications; therefore, understanding its underlying causes is essential for effective prevention. So, how can one treat athlete’s foot?
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Treatment of athlete’s foot involves both pharmacological interventions and lifestyle modifications. Under medical supervision, topical agents such as boric acid solution, rivanol (ethacridine lactate), and miconazole powder may be used. These topical medications possess antifungal properties and help maintain local dryness. Additionally, oral antifungal agents—including itraconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine—may also be prescribed by a physician when appropriate. In daily life, patients are advised to adopt good hygiene practices: thoroughly clean the feet, carefully dry the interdigital spaces after washing, frequently change and wash socks, and air-dry shoes in sunlight to achieve a certain degree of disinfection.
“Athlete’s foot” is a common lay term. The corresponding medical condition is tinea pedis, caused by fungal infection. Since fungi thrive readily in warm, moist environments, the feet—particularly the web spaces between the fourth and fifth toes—are especially susceptible to infection. Thus, diagnosing athlete’s foot relies less on symptoms such as itching or skin maceration, and more on identifying characteristic signs—such as scaling or whitish, soggy skin—in the web spaces between the last two toes.
Patients are advised to maintain a light, bland diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods. Prompt medical consultation is recommended upon symptom onset. We hope this information proves helpful.
