Athlete’s Foot (Ringworm of the Feet or Tinea Pedis) pertains to fungal infection of the skin that leads to scaling, itch and flaking of the affected area. People usually catch this skin infection when they walk barefoot in moist areas like showers, bathhouses and public places that are wet and dirty. It can also be spread by sharing footwear with an infected person, or in some rare cases, sharing towels with an infected person.
The condition is usually limited to the feet and in some cases, it can also reach the leg and groin. Athlete’s foot is basically a type of Ringworm disease but the pattern is long and scaly instead of ring-like.
The treatment of Athlete’s Foot can be split into two aspects. The first part is to make it difficult for the infected area to breed more fungus. This can be done by making the area hygienic and dry. Make sure you wash your feet properly and dry them well. Wear shoes or footwear of breathable material like leather. Do not use materials like vinyl or plastic that make your feet moist and make it possible for fungus to grow. Also wear cotton material socks because they are absorbent. You can also soak your feet in a solution of aluminum acetate (Domeboro’s solution or Burrow’s solutoni)
The second part of the treatment is using the right antifungal creams like Lamisi (terabinafine). Doctors recommend Lamisil as one of the best topical applications for Athlete’s Feet. For athletes Feet found on the soles of the feet, the doctor will possibly recommend you to use the cream twice a day for two weeks. For Athlete’s Foot found between the toes, you may have to use the cream twice a day for a week. You do not have to use Lamisil for more than 4 weeks. In one week, you should see a noticeable change, where the symptoms will gradually ease away. In advanced cases of Athlete Food, the doctor may even put you on a two to three week course of Lamisil tablets.
Before applying Lamisil cream, make sure you wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and completely dry the area. Do not cover the treated area with bandage of wet dressings unless advised by the doctor.
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