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Athlete’s Foot Cure and Treatment

Tinea infections may disappear spontaneously and can persist for years. They are difficult to treat and often recur. Best results usually are obtained with early treatment before the fungal infection establishes itself firmly. Antifungal drugs may be used to fight the infection.

Imidazole drugs combat fungal infections by attacking the enzymes of the fungal cell walls, inhibiting growth and reproduction. Two of these medications, clotrimazole (sold over-the-counter, Lotrimin®) and miconazole (contained in Lotrimin® and Absorbine Jr.®) are available in cream, powder, spray, or liquid form and can be applied topically and massaged into the skin. Side effects are rare and include mild gastrointestinal distress and liver/kidney enzyme problems.
Another imidazole drug, itraconazole (Sporanox®) is available in capsule form. Other preparations in this class include Desenex® and Tinactin®, which contain tolnaftate.

Allylamines can be used to combat stubborn tinea infections. These prescription drugs cause a buildup of compounds that are toxic to fungi, and include terbinafine (contained in Lamisil®) and naftifine (Naftin®).

In most cases, 4 to 6 weeks of treatment clears up the infection. If the infection becomes systemic, stronger antifungal medication may be prescribed. These drugs include griseofulvin (Fulvicin® and Grisactin®) and concentrated forms of terbinafine and itraconazole. Griseofulvin can cause side effects such as headache, nausea, and numbness, so it is used as a last resort.

If the infection is bacterial, oral antibiotics may be prescribed.

You may need a prescription medication, because an over-the-counter product may not be effective in fighting the fungus. The doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication to be taken by mouth or applied to the feet. It is important to continue taking any prescribed medication for the entire time instructed by the doctor. Do not stop any medication without the doctor's approval, even if the infected areas look better. Treatment generally lasts 4-8 weeks. Shortening the treatment plan often results in another infection. Wash your hands after applying topical medications.

Topical medications include:

• miconazole
• haloprogin
• clotrimazole
• ciclopirox
• terbinafine
• butenafine
• tolnaftate
• econazole
• ketoconazole
• naftifine
• oxiconazole
• sulconazole

Griseofulvin is an oral medication. Other oral drugs may also be prescribed.