Most cases of athlete’s foot are mild and can be treated at home. This type of fungal infection usually responds quickly to treatment.
Athlete’s foot can often be treated using self-care techniques and antifungal medication.
If you have a more severe infection, your GP may prescribe a stronger antifungal medicine, which will usually be in tablet form.
If athlete's foot is not treated, the infection may spread to your toenails, causing a fungal nail infection, or other areas of your body, such as the palms of your hands.
Untreated athlete's foot can lead to complications such as a bacterial infection.
Self care
The following steps can help treat athlete’s foot:
- Wash your feet regularly and thoroughly using soap and water.
- After washing, dry your feet, paying particular attention to the areas between your toes.
- Wear clean cotton socks.
- Change your shoes and socks regularly to help keep your feet dry.
- Do not share towels, and wash your towels regularly.
Antifungal medication
Antifungal medication works by killing the fungi that are causing your infection. This type of medicine is available in several different forms including:
- creams
- sprays
- liquids
- powders
- tablets
Topical antifungal medicines, which are applied directly to the area being treated, are widely available from pharmacies without a prescription.
The type of antifungal medicine you use is usually down to personal preference. Your pharmacist can recommend the most suitable antifungal for you.
Types of antifungal medicine include:
Several oral antifungal medicines are also available. They can be prescribed by your GP and include:
In rare cases, oral terbinafine can cause liver inflammation in people who are susceptible to this.
Antifungal treatments in tablet form are usually only recommended to treat severe cases of athlete's foot and when topical antifungal treatments have not worked.
Read more about antifungal medication.
Risks
Some antifungal tablets are not suitable for children or elderly people. Check the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine to see if it is suitable for children. Different doses may be needed for children of different ages.
Some antifungal treatments can interfere with pregnancy, and the reproductive system in men and women.
Your GP can give you more information and advice about using antifungal medicines.
How to use antifungal medication
Apply antifungal medication directly to the rash and surrounding area (4–6cm) of normal, healthy skin. Make sure that the area is dry before applying the treatment.
Skin may sometimes be infected with the fungus without showing any symptoms. Therefore, it is important to treat the surrounding area of skin to help prevent re-infection. Always wash your hands before and after applying the treatment.
Continue to apply your antifungal treatment for as long as recommended in the instructions that come with the medicine. Some antifungals need to be used for longer than others.
Although your rash may disappear quickly, it does not necessarily mean that the infection has been completely treated. You may need to use medication for one to two weeks after your symptoms have disappeared to ensure the infection has been successfully treated.
Hydrocortisone treatment
If athlete's foot is making your skin particularly sore and inflamed, you can use an antifungal treatment that contains an ingredient called hydrocortisone.
Treatments with low doses of hydrocortisone are available over the counter from pharmacies. However, if you have a severe infection, your GP may prescribe a stronger hydrocortisone treatment.
Hydrocortisone reduces inflammation and eases irritation and itching. Follow the instructions that come with the treatment.
Hydrocortisone cannot be used for longer than seven days. You may need to use an alternative antifungal treatment (one that does not contain hydrocortisone) until your infection has been successfully treated.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask your GP or pharmacist for advice before using hydrocortisone.
