WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR TINEA PEDIS (ATHLETE’S FOOT)?

* Be aware that the recommended treatments of illnesses are always being improved. This website was last update on 11/1/2024. The best treatment option MIGHT have changed since that time.

1. Terbinafine 1%* {OTC} (Lamisil) cream 2 x/ day at least 7 to 10 days after lesions disappear, typically at about 2 to 3 weeks.
2. Naftifine 1% gel * (Naftin)
3. Butenafine 1% * (Lotrimin Ultra)4. miconazole 2% *
5. clotrimazole 1% * Lotrimin
6. econazole 1% *
7. ketoconazole 2% *
8. luliconazole 1% *
9. tonaftate 1%*
10. ciclopriox topical 0.77% *

Shampoo:
1. Selenium Sulfide Shampoo 2.5% {OTC} (Selsun Blue) applied to the skin (in 10-minute applications daily for 1 week or 24-hour applications weekly for 1 month);7. Zinc Pyrithione Soap 2% OTC (can be bought on Amazon)
OR
2. Sulfur-Salicylic Shampoo 2% OTC (can be bought on Amazon); applied to the skin for 1 to 2 weeks.

Oral Medications:
1. terbinafine * 
2. itraconazole *
3. griseofulvin microsize *
9. Fluconazole {RX} (Diflucan) 150 mg/week orally for 2 to 4 weeks is indicated for patients with extensive disease and those with frequent recurrences.

CAUTION:

1. There are several other skin conditions that look similar to Tinea Pedis. If the medication you are using does not work, consider another diagnosis.

2. All medication, including all anti-fungal medications, have a risk of side effects.

3. If you are trying a new cream or lotion, always try it on a small patch of skin first.

4. Possible mild side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, itching, and light to moderate skin rash.

5. Possible severe side effects are a severe skin rash, liver damage, or an anaphylactic allergic reaction (leading to the inability to breathe and subsequent death if not treated rapidly).

Consult “Epocrates.com” for each Specific Medication’s possible “Adverse Reactions.” Side effects are also referred to as “Adverse Reactions.” Epocrates.com will tell you both “common reactions” and “serious reactions.” You will have to create an account, but it is simple, fast, and free.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF TINA PEDIS (ATHLETE’S FOOT)?

Tinea Pedis (also called Athlete’s Foot) usually appears as red peeling or scaling skin between the toes or on the sides of the feet. It can also appear as dry skin on the soles or side of the feet. It will often causes the feeling of either itching, stinging, or burning.

WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF TINEA PEDIS (ATHLETE’S FOOT)?

Tinea Pedis is is commonly caused by a specific fungus, Trichophyton Rubrum—but also can be caused by Trichophyton Interdigitale, Epidermophyton Floccosum Interdigitale, and Epidermophyton floccosum.

HOW IS TINEA PEDIS (ATHLETE’S FOOT) DIAGNOSED?

Tinea Pedis or Athlete’s foot can be diagnosed with a careful history and a visual inspection of the skin. If there is doubt of the diagnosis, a scraping can be taken of the effected skin, a little Potassium Hydroxide can be mixed with a little skin, and examined under the microscope for a particular type of cells, which if present means the person has a fungus growth.