Should you choose to first self-treat your athlete's foot with an over the counter antifungal cream, be advised that some of these products may relieve some symptoms fairly quickly, but don't necessarily alleviate the problem, cautions Dr. Webster. While your skin may look better and temporarily feel better, the infection can remain for some time afterwards. If you notice no improvement within two weeks of using an over the counter product, he suggests you call your doctor to determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. In more severe cases, a doctor may prescribe foot soaks before applying antifungal creams. If your athlete's foot is stubborn, antifungal oral medication may be prescribed.
Sandals are the best warm weather footwear.
Wear cotton socks and change them daily or more frequently if they become damp. Don't wear socks made of synthetic materials. Dust an antifungal powder into your shoes in the summertime. Not treating the rash at all can result in skin blisters and cracks that can lead to bacterial infections. The Medical Reporter is an independent, educational health magazine on the Web for enlightened healthcare consumers.