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What causes chronic or recurring Athlete's Foot?
If it responds to over the counter treatment in the short term, but then comes back again later, what's going on? What would the next steps be?
44 yr old, Male
asked Mar 17, 2010 at 11:17AM in Other
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2Votesanswered Mar 17, 2010 at 12:19PMAthlete's foot is caused by a fungus. Fungi like to live in teperate (not too cold, not too hot), damp places. Your feet are the perfect environment day in and day out. So...
1) Have you tried changing your feet or aerating them more often? Sandals will do when closed-toe shoes are not required.
2) Have you tried wearing shoes or sandals in public areas like gym showers, or even your own shower?
3) Have you talked to your health care provider about other things like...
a) A chronic condition that may depress your immune system?
b) Other medication that you may be taking that predisposes you to fungal infections?
c) Any other steps he or she may recommend based on their clinical observations and practice?
Good luck. -
2Votesanswered Mar 17, 2010 at 04:18PMA modern problem is that we do not wash socks in a boiler as in the old days. The mycotic spores that come from fungal infections are heat resistant, so that when using an antifungal cream, it will likely be effective in stopping fungal growth but have little or no effect in spores which get into clothing around it (eg.socks). It is important to use the antimycotic cream for at least 7 days after the infection has disappeared. In addition, I have found it effective to dust with an antimycotic powder over the infection site, in socks and shoes too, for at least 4 weeks, to ensure that any spores that open as conditions for reinfection occur will be killed too.
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1Votes
answered Mar 18, 2010 at 05:55AMI am extremely pleased with Mr. Senator's answer. When treating a fungal infection, it is very important to treat it well beyond the point where the skin surface starts looking "normal". Mycoses (fungal infections) go deeper than the surface and will only recur unless you treat for 5-7 additional days -
1VotesAfter the above suggestions:
Wash & dry feet twice daily
Put on clean white sox, if needed, after washing
(sandals are great)
Powder feet after drying & powder footwear before use.
(like Desenex or Tinactin)
AVOID moist floors, barefoot- especially public areas
I think Lotrimin is the best topical cream, but others may have to be used
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