You got a new gym membership a month ago and have started noticing some itching and burning in between your toes and dry, cracking skin on the bottom of your foot. After reading this month’s blog about Athlete’s Foot you suspect you have an active fungal infection and schedule an appointment with our office to talk about treatment options. He affirms that your assumption was correct- you have an active Athlete’s Foot infection! The question becomes: What now?
Athlete’s Foot treatment depends on the severity of the fungal infection. Most mild cases can be treated with over the counter topical antifungals, such as Lamisil OTC. However, if the fungus has really made itself at home on your feet, a prescription-strength antifungal may be required to eradicate it. Prescription antifungals are offered as both topical ointments and oral medications. Oral antifungals are typically reserved for severe cases of Athlete’s Foot that haven’t responded to first line treatment, such as over the counter and prescription-strength topical ointments.
Once a treatment regimen has been established, you should begin to see an improvement in your symptoms. It is very important that the full course of medication is completed. Prematurely halting of treatment may result in a relapse of symptoms. Complete resolution of symptoms will develop differently for each patient, and may take up to two months.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Athlete’s Foot, please call our office and make an appointment with Dr. Jay Larson with Sole Foot and Ankle Specialists in Glendale, Arizona.