How to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Aug 10, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wan
Introduction
Athlete’s foot can be treated with medications. Oral antifungal drugs are commonly used to treat more severe cases or recurrent infections. Although oral medications can effectively control severe athlete’s foot and alleviate certain symptoms, attention must be paid to their potential side effects during treatment.
Many people suffer from athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) in daily life. This condition is caused by a fungal infection and is highly contagious. Each outbreak typically causes intense itching—sometimes severe—and may be accompanied by foul foot odor. Prompt medication is essential to alleviate symptoms and manage the disease. So, how is athlete’s foot treated?
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot
Athlete’s foot can be effectively treated with medications. Oral antifungal drugs are commonly prescribed for more severe cases or recurrent infections. Although oral antifungals can effectively control the severity of athlete’s foot and relieve associated symptoms, patients must remain vigilant about potential drug side effects. Liver and kidney function tests are strongly recommended before and during treatment, as antifungal agents may cause hepatic or renal toxicity. Furthermore, antifungal therapy must be administered at adequate dosages and for sufficient duration. Patients should never reduce dosage or discontinue treatment prematurely based on subjective judgment, as this may compromise therapeutic efficacy or lead to more serious adverse effects.
Athlete’s foot may spread to other parts of the body. Not only is it transmissible to others, but it can also autoinoculate—i.e., infect other areas of the patient’s own body. For instance, intense itching during an outbreak often leads to scratching, which may transfer the fungus to the hands. If hands are not promptly disinfected after scratching and then come into contact with other body parts, secondary infection readily occurs.
Patients are advised to maintain emotional calm and follow a light, bland diet—avoiding spicy or irritating foods. We hope this information proves helpful.
