Some Basics...

• Athlete's foot is an infection caused by a fungus. It grows best on the warm, damp skin of the feet and toes. It is also called "Tinea Pedis."
• A person can get athlete’s foot by walking barefoot in public showers or on pool decks.
• It is a common problem. Up to 7 out of 10 adults have it at some point in their lives.
• There are 2 kinds of medicine that work well in treating athlete's foot. Most healthy people can treat it by using an antifungal cream. Some people may need a prescription pill to treat it.

Symptoms

• Red, scaly, or cracked rash between the toes. Sometimes, there can also be a rash on the instep of the foot.
• Rash is itchy. Sometimes it burns slightly. When scratched, the rash becomes raw and weepy.
• Feet may smell bad.

1. What You Should Know:
   • Athlete's foot is an infection caused by a fungus. It grows best on the warm, damp skin of the feet and toes. It is also called "Tinea Pedis."
   • There are 2 kinds of medicine that work well in treating athlete's foot. Most healthy people can treat it by using an antifungal cream. Some people may need a prescription pill to treat it.
   • You can treat most cases of athlete's foot at home.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. Antifungal Cream: Rub the antifungal cream on the rash 2 times a day. Keep using the cream for at least 7 days after the rash is gone.
   • Sold over-the-counter (OTC) in United States as terbinafine (Lamisil AT) or clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF) or miconazole (Micatin, Monistat-Derm).
   • Sold OTC in Canada as clotrimazole (Clotrimazole cream, Canesten, Clotrimaderm) or miconazole (Micatin Cream, Micozole, Monistat-Derm).
   • Terbinafine (Lamisil AT) is most recommended, but is not sold in Canada.
   • Read all package instructions.
3. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry:
   • Wash your feet 2 times every day. Dry your feet completely, especially between the toes.
   • Then rub on the antifungal cream.
   • Wear clean socks and change them 2 times a day.
4. Avoid Scratching: Scratching the rash on your feet will delay healing. Rinse the itchy feet in cool water to calm the itch.
5. How It Is Spread:
   • Athlete's foot is not easily spread to others.
   • The fungus can't grow on dry, normal skin.
   • Adults with athlete's foot do not need to miss any school or work. You can keep playing sports.
   • Your socks can be washed with the regular laundry. They don't need to be boiled.
6. What to Expect: With proper treatment, athlete's foot should get much better within 1 week and go away within 2 weeks.
7. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Rash has spreading redness, streaks, or pus
   • Rash is not better after 1 week of treatment
   • Rash is not gone after 2 weeks of treatment
   • You get worse

1. Avoid Being Barefoot in Public Places:
   • You can get athlete's foot from walking barefoot in showers or bathrooms.
   • You can also get it near swimming pools.
   • Wear sandals in public places.
2. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry:
   • Wash your feet with warm soapy water 1 time a day. Rinse your feet and dry them completely, especially between the toes.
   • Wear clean cotton socks and change them daily.