Can Loratadine treat itching caused by athlete's foot?

Generally, Loratadine is commonly available in forms such as tablets, capsules, and syrup. Athlete's foot refers to tinea pedis (foot fungus). Loratadine can alleviate itching caused by tinea pedis to some extent but cannot cure the fungal infection itself. The detailed explanation is as follows:

Tinea pedis is a skin disease caused by a fungal infection. The growth and reproduction of fungi on the skin can stimulate the skin, triggering an inflammatory response and causing symptoms such as itching. Additionally, the inflammation caused by the fungal infection prompts the body to release inflammatory mediators, which stimulate nerve endings and cause itching. Loratadine is an antihistamine drug that acts on histamine receptors in the body, reducing the effects of histamine, suppressing the dilation of small blood vessels, decreasing vascular permeability and exudation, alleviating the inflammatory response, and thereby relieving itching symptoms.

Loratadine can only relieve the symptom of itching and cannot kill the fungi causing tinea pedis. To completely treat tinea pedis, antifungal medications are required, such as miconazole nitrate cream, triamcinolone益康唑 cream, clotrimazole cream, etc. Loratadine can also be used concurrently with these antifungal medications to help alleviate itching symptoms.

During the treatment of tinea pedis, it is also important to maintain personal hygiene, keep the feet dry and clean, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and slippers to reduce the risk of cross-infection.