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Athlete’s foot antifungal. Athlete’s Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

by alexxlab

What are the main symptoms of athlete’s foot. How can you treat athlete’s foot at home. When should you see a doctor for athlete’s foot. What are the best ways to prevent athlete’s foot.

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Understanding Athlete’s Foot: A Common Fungal Infection

Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a prevalent fungal infection that affects the feet. This condition thrives in warm, moist environments, making athletes and individuals who frequent public showers or locker rooms particularly susceptible. Despite its name, anyone can contract athlete’s foot, regardless of their athletic prowess.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by various types of fungi, primarily dermatophytes. These microscopic organisms flourish in damp, warm conditions and can easily spread from person to person. Common transmission routes include:

  • Walking barefoot in public areas like swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers
  • Direct contact with an infected person’s skin
  • Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who has the infection

Individuals with sweaty or wet feet are at a higher risk of developing athlete’s foot. Additionally, those with compromised immune systems or damaged skin on their feet may be more susceptible to infection.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Identifying athlete’s foot early can lead to faster treatment and relief. The symptoms can vary in severity and presentation, but typically include:

Common Signs of Athlete’s Foot

  • Itchy, white patches between the toes
  • Sore and flaky patches on the feet
  • Reddened skin (may be less noticeable on darker skin tones)
  • Cracked or peeling skin
  • Burning or stinging sensation
  • In some cases, fluid-filled blisters

Is athlete’s foot always confined to the toes? While the infection often starts between the toes, it can spread to other parts of the foot, including the soles and sides. In severe cases, it may even affect the toenails, leading to a fungal nail infection.

Effective Treatment Options for Athlete’s Foot

Treating athlete’s foot promptly is crucial to prevent its spread and alleviate discomfort. Fortunately, various treatment options are available, ranging from over-the-counter remedies to prescription medications.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

Many cases of athlete’s foot can be successfully treated with antifungal medications available at pharmacies. These typically come in the form of:

  • Creams
  • Sprays
  • Powders

These products usually contain active ingredients such as miconazole, clotrimazole, or terbinafine. It’s important to follow the instructions carefully and continue treatment for the recommended duration, even if symptoms improve.

When to Seek Professional Medical Help

While many cases of athlete’s foot respond well to over-the-counter treatments, some situations warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Consider consulting a doctor if:

  • Symptoms persist after several weeks of self-treatment
  • The infection spreads to other parts of the body
  • You experience severe pain or inflammation
  • You have diabetes or a weakened immune system

In these cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger antifungal medications, either topical or oral, to combat the infection effectively.

Prevention Strategies: Keeping Athlete’s Foot at Bay

Preventing athlete’s foot is often easier than treating it. By adopting good foot hygiene practices and making simple lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of infection.

Essential Prevention Tips

  1. Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
  2. Wear breathable footwear and change socks regularly
  3. Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes
  4. Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
  5. Don’t share personal items like towels or shoes
  6. Alternate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely

Are there any natural remedies that can help prevent athlete’s foot? While scientific evidence is limited, some people find relief using tea tree oil or soaking feet in a vinegar solution. However, these should not replace proven antifungal treatments.

The Impact of Athlete’s Foot on Daily Life

While athlete’s foot is generally not a serious condition, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life if left untreated. The persistent itching and discomfort can interfere with daily activities, sports performance, and even sleep.

Physical and Emotional Effects

Beyond the physical symptoms, athlete’s foot can also have emotional and social consequences. Some individuals may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their feet or worry about spreading the infection to others. This can lead to:

  • Reduced participation in social activities
  • Avoidance of public swimming pools or gyms
  • Decreased confidence in intimate relationships

Does athlete’s foot affect everyone equally? While anyone can develop athlete’s foot, some individuals may be more prone to recurrent infections or severe symptoms. Factors such as foot structure, sweating patterns, and overall health can influence susceptibility and severity.

Athlete’s Foot in Special Populations

Certain groups of people may need to take extra precautions when it comes to athlete’s foot due to increased risk or potential complications.

Athletes and Sports Enthusiasts

As the name suggests, athletes are particularly vulnerable to this fungal infection. The combination of sweaty feet, shared locker rooms, and tight athletic shoes creates an ideal environment for fungal growth. Athletes should be especially vigilant about foot hygiene and consider using preventive measures such as antifungal powders or sprays.

Individuals with Diabetes

People with diabetes need to be extra cautious about foot infections, including athlete’s foot. Diabetes can cause poor circulation and nerve damage in the feet, making it harder to notice and fight infections. Any foot problem in a diabetic individual should be taken seriously and promptly addressed by a healthcare professional.

Immunocompromised Individuals

Those with weakened immune systems, such as individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with HIV/AIDS, may experience more severe or persistent cases of athlete’s foot. These individuals should seek medical advice at the first sign of infection.

The Role of Footwear in Athlete’s Foot

The shoes we wear play a significant role in the development and persistence of athlete’s foot. Understanding how footwear influences foot health can help in both prevention and management of the condition.

Choosing the Right Shoes

Proper footwear can significantly reduce the risk of athlete’s foot. Consider the following when selecting shoes:

  • Breathability: Choose shoes made from materials that allow air circulation
  • Fit: Ensure shoes are not too tight, which can increase sweating
  • Activity-appropriate: Wear shoes designed for your specific activity
  • Alternation: Rotate between different pairs of shoes to allow them to dry completely

Can certain types of shoes increase the risk of athlete’s foot? Yes, shoes that trap moisture or don’t allow proper air circulation can create an environment conducive to fungal growth. Plastic shoes, in particular, are often associated with increased risk.

Shoe Hygiene

Maintaining clean shoes is crucial in preventing and managing athlete’s foot. Consider these practices:

  • Regularly clean and disinfect shoes, especially if you’ve had athlete’s foot
  • Use antifungal powders or sprays in shoes
  • Allow shoes to dry completely between uses
  • Replace old shoes that may harbor fungi

By paying attention to footwear choices and maintenance, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing or re-experiencing athlete’s foot.

Myths and Misconceptions About Athlete’s Foot

Despite being a common condition, athlete’s foot is surrounded by various myths and misconceptions. Addressing these can help individuals better understand, prevent, and treat the infection.

Common Myths Debunked

  1. Myth: Athlete’s foot only affects athletes.
    Reality: While athletes are at higher risk, anyone can develop athlete’s foot.
  2. Myth: Athlete’s foot always causes visible symptoms.
    Reality: Some cases may be asymptomatic or have subtle signs.
  3. Myth: Once treated, athlete’s foot won’t return.
    Reality: Recurrence is common, especially if preventive measures aren’t taken.
  4. Myth: Bleach or vinegar can cure athlete’s foot.
    Reality: While these may have some antifungal properties, they are not proven treatments and can potentially harm the skin.
  5. Myth: Athlete’s foot is not contagious.
    Reality: The fungus causing athlete’s foot can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.

Understanding these facts can help individuals take appropriate precautions and seek proper treatment when needed.

The Importance of Scientific Evidence

When it comes to treating athlete’s foot, it’s crucial to rely on scientifically proven methods rather than anecdotal evidence or popular myths. Always consult with healthcare professionals or pharmacists for the most up-to-date and effective treatment options.

Is it possible to build immunity to athlete’s foot? Unlike some bacterial infections, exposure to the fungi causing athlete’s foot doesn’t confer immunity. However, maintaining good foot hygiene and a healthy immune system can help resist infection.

Future Developments in Athlete’s Foot Treatment and Prevention

As medical research continues to advance, new approaches to treating and preventing athlete’s foot are being explored. These developments hold promise for more effective management of this common condition.

Emerging Treatment Options

Researchers are investigating several innovative approaches to combat athlete’s foot:

  • Novel antifungal compounds with improved efficacy and reduced side effects
  • Nanotechnology-based treatments for enhanced penetration of antifungal agents
  • Probiotics and biological control methods to maintain healthy foot microbiome
  • Gene therapy approaches targeting fungal resistance mechanisms

While many of these treatments are still in the experimental stage, they represent exciting possibilities for the future of athlete’s foot management.

Advances in Prevention

Prevention strategies are also evolving, with new technologies and materials being developed to reduce the risk of fungal infections:

  • Antimicrobial textiles for socks and shoe linings
  • Advanced moisture-wicking materials for athletic wear
  • Smart footwear with built-in ventilation systems
  • Personalized risk assessment tools based on genetic and environmental factors

These innovations aim to create less hospitable environments for fungi and reduce the incidence of athlete’s foot, especially among high-risk populations.

How might future technologies change our approach to foot health? As wearable technology advances, we may see the development of smart socks or insoles that can detect early signs of fungal growth and alert users to take preventive action.

In conclusion, while athlete’s foot remains a common and often frustrating condition, ongoing research and technological advancements offer hope for improved prevention and treatment strategies. By staying informed about these developments and maintaining good foot hygiene practices, individuals can look forward to healthier, fungus-free feet in the future.

Athlete’s foot – NHS

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the feet. You can usually treat it with creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, but it can keep coming back.

Symptoms of athlete’s foot

One of the main symptoms of Athlete’s foot is itchy white patches between your toes.

Credit:

Kitraveler https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/using-hands-expose-chronic-interdigital-athletes-1885656472

Credit:

RICHARD WAREHAM FOTOGRAFIE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/754761/view

It can also cause sore and flaky patches on your feet.

The skin can look red, but this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin.

Credit:

DR H. C.ROBINSON / SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/262798/view

Credit:

Kitraveler

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/curing-clear-chronic-interdigital-athletes-foot-1885656484

Sometimes the skin on your feet may become cracked or bleed.

Credit:

DR P. MARAZZI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/262846/view

Other symptoms

Athlete’s foot can also affect your soles or sides of your feet. It sometimes causes fluid-filled blisters.

If it’s not treated, the infection can spread to your toenails and cause a fungal nail infection.

A pharmacist can help with athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but you can buy antifungal medicines for it from a pharmacy. They usually take a few weeks to work.

Athlete’s foot treatments are available as:

  • creams
  • sprays
  • powders

They’re not all suitable for everyone – for example, some are only for adults. Always check the packet or ask a pharmacist.

You might need to try a few treatments to find one that works best for you.

Things you can do if you have athlete’s foot

You can keep using some pharmacy treatments to stop athlete’s foot coming back.

It’s also important to keep your feet clean and dry. You do not need to stay off work or school.

Do

  • dry your feet after washing them, particularly between your toes – dab them dry rather than rubbing them

  • use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly

  • take your shoes off when at home

  • wear clean socks every day – cotton socks are best

Don’t

  • do not scratch affected skin – this can spread it to other parts of your body

  • do not walk around barefoot – wear flip-flops in places like changing rooms and showers

  • do not share towels, socks or shoes with other people

  • do not wear the same pair of shoes for more than 2 days in a row

  • do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty

Important

Keep following this advice after finishing treatment to help stop athlete’s foot coming back.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

You have athlete’s foot and:

  • treatments from a pharmacy do not work
  • you’re in a lot of discomfort
  • your foot or leg is hot, painful and red (the redness may be less noticeable on brown or black skin) – this could be a more serious infection
  • the infection spreads to other parts of your body such as your hands
  • you have diabetes – foot problems can be more serious if you have diabetes
  • you have a weakened immune system – for example, you have had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy

Treatment for athlete’s foot from a GP

The GP may:

  • send a small scraping of skin from your feet to a laboratory to check you have athlete’s foot
  • prescribe a steroid cream to use alongside antifungal cream
  • prescribe antifungal tablets – you might need to take these for several weeks
  • refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) for more tests and treatment if needed

How you get athlete’s foot

You can catch athlete’s foot from other people with the infection.

You can get it by:

  • walking barefoot in places where someone else has athlete’s foot – especially changing rooms and showers
  • touching the affected skin of someone with athlete’s foot

You’re more likely to get it if you have wet or sweaty feet, or if the skin on your feet is damaged.

Page last reviewed: 08 June 2021
Next review due: 08 June 2024

Athlete’s Foot | HealthLink BC

Topic Contents

  • Condition Basics
  • Related Information
  • Credits

Condition Basics

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a rash on the skin of the foot. It’s the most common skin infection caused by a fungus. Athlete’s foot can cause itching, peeling, and cracking on the bottoms of the feet and between the toes.

How do you get it?

You can get athlete’s foot by touching the foot of a person who has it. Most often, people get it by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in locker rooms. The fungi then grow in your shoes, especially if your shoes are tight and air can’t move around your feet.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of athlete’s foot vary from person to person. Some people have severe discomfort, while others have few or no symptoms.

Common symptoms include:

  • Peeling, cracking, and scaling of the feet.
  • Redness, blisters, or softening and breakdown (maceration) of the skin.
  • Itching, burning, or both.

Your symptoms may depend on the type of athlete’s foot you have.

  • Toe web infection usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin gets scaly, peels, and cracks. If you get a bacterial infection, the skin may break down even more.
  • Moccasin-type infection may start with a little soreness on your foot. Then the skin on your sole or heel may become thick and crack. In severe cases, the toenails get infected.
  • Vesicular infection usually starts with a sudden outbreak of fluid-filled blisters. The blisters are usually on the sole but can appear anywhere on your foot. You may also get a bacterial infection.

How is athlete’s foot diagnosed?

A doctor can usually tell if you have athlete’s foot by looking at your feet. He or she will also ask about your symptoms and any past fungal infections you’ve had. If your symptoms are unusual or treatment didn’t help before, your doctor may take a skin or nail sample to test for fungi.

How is it treated?

Treatment for athlete’s foot depends on its type and severity. Most cases can be treated at home with antifungal medicines. They kill the fungus or slow its growth. You also need to keep your feet clean and dry.

Over-the-counter antifungal lotions, creams, or sprays usually are used first. These include clotrimazole (Lotriderm) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).

Prescription antifungals may be tried if non-prescription medicines don’t help. Some prescription antifungals are put directly on the skin. Others are taken as a pill.

If you have a severe infection that doesn’t improve, your doctor may prescribe antifungal pills. They are used only for severe cases.

How can you care for athlete’s foot?

You can usually treat athlete’s foot at home by using non-prescription medicines and taking care of your feet. But if you have diabetes and get athlete’s foot, or if you have infections that are severe or long-lasting or that keep coming back, see your doctor.

Here are some things you can do to help treat and prevent athlete’s foot.

Credits

  1. Athlete’s foot: Toe web type
  2. Athlete’s foot: Moccasin type
  3. Athlete’s foot: Vesicular type

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Foot fungus: causes, symptoms and treatment

Where can I buy?

Encyclopedia

Fungus

Fungus (mycosis) of the feet is a group of fungal diseases of the skin of the feet and interdigital folds caused by pathogenic and opportunistic fungi (natural inhabitants that are present in the normal microflora of the skin and mucous membranes in small quantities).

The author of the article

Moshkova Elena Mikhailovna

Dermatovenereologist, head of the KDO for the provision of paid services, St. Petersburg State Budgetary Institution of Health “City Dermatovenerologic Dispensary”, St. Petersburg.

What is foot fungus

Audio version of the page:

Regardless of the pathogen, the disease has similar symptoms, mechanism of occurrence and treatment tactics.

Foot fungus is a widespread and contagious disease. It is characterized by a high frequency of occurrence in the presence of concomitant conditions and diseases, for example, foci of chronic inflammation, endocrine diseases, a decrease in the immune system and other diseases 2.3 .

As a rule, the disease is chronic with exacerbations in the summer and attenuation of the process (remission) by winter.

Signs of fungal infections

  • Discoloration
  • Inflammation
  • Spotting
  • Erosion
  • Deformation and thickening

Types of fungal diseases of the feet

Depending on what types of fungi caused the disease, mycosis of the feet is divided into:

Yeast-like mycoses

are caused by fungi of the genus Candida.

Mold mycoses

are provoked by fungi Scytalidium spp., Onychocola canadensis, Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, Aspergillus, Fusarium, Alternaria, Penicillium.

Dermatomycosis

are caused by dermatomycetes of the genera Trichophyton, Epidermophyton. Mushrooms of this species need keratin for life, which is rich in the stratum corneum of the skin, nails and hair. The group of dermatomycosis with a primary lesion of the nails includes rubrophytosis (causative agent – Trichophyton rubrum ) and athlete’s foot (causative agent – Trichophyton interdigitale) 1 . Trichophyton rubrum accounts for approximately 80-90% of foot mycosis cases 4.5 .

Mixed mycoses

are caused by several types of fungi at once.

Each type of mycosis is described in detail below.

Yeast-like mycoses

Recently, mycoses of the feet caused by fungi of the genus Candida have become widespread. It is assumed that this is due to the widespread use of various drugs, whose action is associated with interaction with the immune system 6 .

Dermatomycosis

Epidermophytosis of the feet is a chronic disease that is localized on the skin of the arches and interdigital folds of the feet, with frequent damage to the nail plates 1 .

Mold mycoses

Mold mycoses are mainly distributed in countries where people traditionally walk barefoot (India, African countries) 7 . In regions with a temperate climate, this type of mycosis also occurs, but already, as a rule, in patients with immunodeficiency conditions and in people who often come into contact with the ground and plants 8 .

Forms of mycosis of the feet

There are several forms of mycosis:

Squamous

It is characterized by peeling of the skin of the arch of the feet with possible spread to the surface of the fingers. Areas with thickened skin and lamellar peeling may also appear.

Intertriginous

Similar to interdigital diaper rash. The inflammatory process, as a rule, is localized between 3 and 4 fingers. The stratum corneum softens, becomes loose and exfoliates. Cracks and whitish plaque appear. Itching and burning begin. Perhaps the accession of pyococcal (pustular infection) and yeast flora, then the affected areas are covered with purulent-bloody crusts.

Dyshidrotic

Characterized by the appearance on the lateral surface of the feet and on the surfaces of the fingers in contact with it bubbles filled with a clear liquid and covered with a thick stratum corneum. “Sago grains” (vesicles) are single or merge into multi-chamber bubbles. As pyococci attach, the contents of the vesicles become cloudy, then they open, erosions are formed, covered with purulent-hemorrhagic crusts. Some patients note inflammation of the lymph nodes, deterioration in general well-being 1 .

In 2/3 of patients with intertriginous and dyshidrotic forms of epidermophytosis, mycids (allergic rash) are noted.

Of course, the allocation of clinical forms of epidermophytosis is conditional, since their combination often occurs, one form can pass into another. It all depends on the reaction of the body, physical activity and methods of treatment of the patient 1 .

Also, with mycosis of the feet, the nails are often affected, mainly on the first and fifth toes. The nail plate acquires yellowish spots or stripes, the surface becomes dull and uneven, a horny thickening begins to appear under the nail, which further leads to the destruction of the nail plate.

See how foot fungus is treated in a short video by a dermatovenereologist, professor, doctor of medical sciences, Tamrazova Olga Borisovna

Causes of foot fungus

The main causes of foot fungus are: These processes disrupt the protective function of skin cells.

  • Anatomy : narrow spaces between the fingers and their deformation, flat feet.
  • Problems with thermoregulation (maintenance of a certain body temperature) and microcirculation (transportation of body fluids).
  • Wounds, injuries that violate the integrity of the skin. Through these lesions, infections often occur.
  • The presence of diseases that reduce immunity or lead to metabolic disorders (for example, endocrinopathy, blood diseases, oncology, etc.).
  • Taking certain drugs (antibacterial, cytotoxic, corticosteroid).

    • Often, fungal lesions of the feet are combined with pustular rashes, therefore, there are suggestions about the relationship between them: thanks to pyococci, dermatophytes penetrate deep into the subcutaneous tissue, and prolonged mycoses due to the formation of cracks, scratching, erosion contribute to increased susceptibility to infection.

    It is not uncommon for foot fungus to cause a viral infection. For example, the causative agent of rubromycosis activates papillomaviruses, herpes viruses. This is manifested in an increase in the concentration of viruses on the surface of cells affected by fungi.

    People suffering from mycosis act as the source of the spread of the disease : in the process of peeling, the skin scales containing pathogens of the fungal infection are detached. These infected scales often end up on the floor and on equipment in pools, baths, and also on pedicure tools.

    An interesting fact is that mushrooms are highly resistant and can be stored in thermal springs, chlorinated and ozonized water for 12-18 days. Water with a high content of salt or hydrogen sulfide is detrimental to fungi.

    So, it must be remembered that the general mechanisms that contribute to the development of a fungal infection of the feet are caused by a violation of the body’s natural resistance, changes in immune and metabolic processes.

    Diagnosis of foot fungus

    Diagnosis of foot fungus includes:

    • Evaluation of patient complaints and the presence of chronic diseases.
    • Microscopic examination of the affected particles of the skin, nails.
    • Culture – the placement of pathogenic microorganisms in a nutrient medium for their reproduction and subsequent accurate identification, as well as for assessing the activity of antifungal drugs and determining the sensitivity of fungi to them.

    For the correct selection of therapy, it is important to determine whether the changes on the skin of the foot are a fungal infection or dyshidrotic eczema, keratoderma, psoriasis and other skin diseases.

    Treatment of foot fungus

    Treatment of foot fungus should be carried out comprehensively – it is important not only to suppress the reproduction of pathogens and eliminate symptoms, but also to destroy pathogens and exclude the cause of their occurrence (increase immunity, immediately treat small wounds on the legs, etc. ). It is imperative to treat concomitant diseases that cause the development of fungal infections.

    In addition, some people may have allergic reactions to certain fungi (eg mycids). In such cases, antihistamine (antiallergic) drugs may be needed.

    For the treatment of fungal infections, as a rule, topical preparations are used, that is, those that are applied directly to the affected area of ​​the skin. Such funds are produced in the form of ointments, creams, sprays, solutions, varnishes (for nails).

    Antimycotics (antifungal drugs) can be conditionally divided into several groups:

    • imidazoles (sertaconazole, ketoconazole, clotrimazole)
    • polyenes (nystatin, levorin, natamycin)
    • triazoles (fluconazole, itraconazole)
    • allylamines (terbinafine, naftifine)
    • drugs of different groups (povidone-iodine, griseofulvin and others).

    Depending on the mechanism of action, antifungal agents can have a fungistatic effect – inhibit the growth and reproduction of fungi, or they can have a fungicidal effect – contribute to the death of fungi.

    Since foot mycoses are most often provoked by a mixed fungal flora, it is most effective to use broad-spectrum agents. These drugs include sertaconazole.

    The use of sertaconazole in the treatment of foot fungus

    Sertaconazole is a modern antimycotic drug that is highly effective against pathogenic fungi of the genus Candida, dermatophytes (Trichophyton and Microsporum) and other causative agents of skin infections – gram-positive strains of staphylo- and streptococci. Sertaconazole blocks the growth and reproduction of fungi (fungistatic action), destroys fungi (fungicidal action) when used in therapeutic doses 9 . Sertaconazole also has its own anti-inflammatory and antipruritic effects 15.16 .

    Instruction

    Zalain ® Foot Fungus Treatment Cream

    Sertaconazole is the active ingredient in Zalain ® cream.

    The structure of the sertaconazole molecule gives a high lipophilicity, which affects the local antifungal effect.

    The direct antimicrobial effect of sertaconazole on the fungal cell membrane can begin as early as ten minutes after its application. This ensures the death of 90% of fungal cells within 1 hour after topical application of sertaconazole at the required concentration 11 .

    Numerous studies have been conducted confirming the effectiveness of sertaconazole in the treatment of dermatophytosis of smooth skin and folds 13 , as well as other types of foot mycosis 12 .

    Clinical experience has shown the effectiveness of sertaconazole up to 95.6%, which is a good indicator when compared with other similar drugs – terbinofine, miconazole and butenafine 10 .

    Due to the fact that the drug is produced in the form of Zalainm ® cream, it is convenient to apply it to skin areas with a large affected area.

    Apply the cream 2 times a day by applying it to the affected areas, covering 1 cm of healthy skin. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor and depends on the etiology of the pathogen. The recommended course is 4 weeks 9 .

    Zalain ® The cream is used in the treatment of all clinical forms of ringworm.

    Has a triple effect: antifungal, antipruritic, anti-inflammatory

    Used 1-2 times a day

    Where to buy Zalain ® Foot fungus treatment cream

    or

    Find the nearest pharmacy

    Prevention of mycosis of the feet

    After the end of the course of treatment and to prevent possible infection, it is necessary to follow the preventive rules, namely:

    Treat any wounds and cracks on the feet. Damaged areas of the skin are “entrance gates” for pathogenic microorganisms.

    Disinfect shoes. At least 1-2 times a month, shoes should be treated with special sprays or a 1% solution of chlorhexidine bigluconate.

    Do not wear other people’s shoes.

    Choose comfortable, seasonal footwear made primarily from natural materials.

    Treat chronic diseases.

    Avoid uncontrolled use of antibiotics.

    Do not walk barefoot in public places (baths, swimming pools, saunas).

    In case of excessive sweating of the feet, use special products that inhibit sweating.

    Of course, the use of modern topical antifungal drugs in the treatment of foot fungus avoids the serious side effects that can occur with the use of drugs.

    However, for the effectiveness of treatment, patients must follow the doctor’s prescriptions – take the prescribed remedy correctly, observe the dosage regimen and duration of treatment.

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    Sources

    1. Pashinyan A.G. Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor, Moscow State Medical University, Modern Therapy of Mycoses of the Feet. Medical Council, 2008
    2. Al Hasan M, Fitzgerald SM, Saoudian M, Krishnaswamy G. Dermatology for the practicing allergist: Tinea pedis and its complications. Clin Mol Allergy 2004; 2 (1): 5. DOI: 10.1186/1476-7961-2-5
    3. Woodfolk JA. Allergy and dermatophytes. Clin Microbiol Rev 2005; 18(1):30-43. DOI: 10.1128/CMR.18.1.30-43.2005
    4. Drakensjo IT, Chryssanthou E. Epidemiology of dermatophyte infections in Stockholm, Sweden: a retrospective study from 2005-2009. Med Mycol 2011; 49(5):484-8. DOI: 10.3109/13693786.2010.540045
    5. Djeridane A, Djeridane Y, Ammar-Khodja A. Epidemiological and aetiological study on tinea pedis and onychomycosis in Algeria. Mycoses 2006; 49(3): 190-6. DOI: 10.1111/1439-0507.2006.01230.
    6. Maksimov I.S. Modern possibilities of topical therapy of mycosis of the feet. Consilium Medicum. 2020; 22(7):57-59. DOI: 10.26442/20751753.2020.7.200322
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