Athlete’s foot (or tinea pedis) can be a stubborn fungal infection. It thrives nearly anywhere it’s moist, from bathroom and locker room floors to inside your shoes. At Westchester Dermatology, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sherri Peace has helped countless patients ditch the itch for fresher feet. If you’re struggling with a persistent case of foot fungus, here’s how to break the cycle and get rid of it quickly.
What Are the Best Home Athlete’s Foot Treatments?
For many cases of athlete’s foot, over-the-counter treatments can be enough to clear the infection. To treat tinea pedis at home, you should:
- Use a nonprescription antifungal product. Applying clotrimazole (Lotrimin®) twice daily after showering or washing your feet can help clear the rash in two to four weeks.
- Don’t forget your nails. Athlete’s foot can hide in and around your nails. Be sure to keep them trimmed short and covered with antifungal medication.
- Change your socks regularly. Wear a new pair of clean, moisture-wicking socks each day. Consider changing your socks more often if your feet are sweaty.
- Switch pairs of well-ventilated shoes. Avoid moisture-trapping synthetic materials like rubber and alternate pairs of shoes so they dry completely between uses.
- Wash towels, bath mats, and bedding. Tinea pedis can live on textiles, so regularly washing any fabrics that touch your feet in hot water can reduce the risk of transmitting it to family members or reinfecting yourself.
Remaining consistent and diligent with your home treatments will help tinea pedis clear up more quickly. However, if you don’t see improvements, it could be time to visit a doctor for athlete’s foot.
Can a Dermatologist Help With Athlete’s Foot?
If your athlete’s foot isn’t responding to nonprescription products, our dermatologist can prescribe more potent topical medications, including clotrimazole, econazole, or ciclopirox. In persistent cases, an oral antifungal medication could help clear the infection. Checking in with a dermatologist after completing a course of treatment also ensures the fungus has been completely eliminated.
Get Athlete’s Foot Treatment in Los Angeles
If you’re ready to say goodbye to athlete’s foot and hello to sandals season, call 310-645-6001 to get athlete’s foot treatment at Westchester Dermatology in Los Angeles, California. Our welcoming and experienced board-certified dermatologist can create a treatment plan to tackle your tinea pedis.
