DEAR DR. GOTT: I thought I had cured my athlete’s foot by soaking in distilled white vinegar, but was recently told by my podiatrist that it may well return with warm, humid weather this summer. How can I avoid this?
DEAR READER: Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is the most common fungal infection. It is closely related to jock itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis or tinea capitis). It affects the warm, moist areas of the feet, especially between the toes. It is contagious, being spread through direct contact with an infected individual or contaminated surfaces.
Common symptoms include itching, stinging and/or burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet; cracking, peeling skin; excessively dry skin on the soles of the feet; itchy blisters; and toenails that may become thick, crumbly, ragged, discolored and pull away from the nail bed.
Athlete’s foot thrives in thick, tight shoes that squeeze the toes and cause the feet to sweat, creating warm, damp areas so it is important to wear properly fitting shoes with good ventilation and to allow the feet to dry thoroughly before putting on socks or shoes. Once infected it is also important to avoid sharing these items to prevent spread and to alternate shoes every day to allow adequate drying (and elimination of the fungus) between wears. Wearing sandals or going barefoot whenever possible will also help keep feet cool and dry, speeding recovery.
In most instances, infections are mild and easily treated with over-the-counter creams and ointments or home remedies. It may take up to four weeks for the infection to be completely eliminated. OTCs include butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), miconazole (Miranel, which I have also recommended for nail fungus), terbinafine (Lamisil) and tolnaftate (Tinactin).
Home remedies include vinegar soaks, mentholated chest rub, oregano oil, and decolorized iodine.
For cases that last longer than four weeks or are extensive, prescription medication may be beneficial. These include prescription strength miconazole or clotrimazole and oral antibiotics (should a bacterial infection also be present), steroids, itraconazole, fluconazole, and others.
That said, the best way to treat athlete’s foot is to prevent it. Keep the feet cool and dry, avoid sharing socks and shoes, wear protective footwear when at a public pool or shower, use socks made from cotton or synthetic fibers that wick away moisture, apply a daily foot (or antifungal) powder, don’t wear wet or damp shoes, and ensure that your shoes fit properly, don’t pinch or squeeze the toes and allow adequate airflow to prevent excessive sweating.
Readers who are interested in learning more can order my Health Reports “Dr. Gott’s Compelling Home Remedies” and “More Compelling Home Remedies” by sending a self-addressed, stamped number 10 envelope and a $2 (for each report) US check or money order to Dr. Peter Gott, PO Box 433, Lakeville, CT 06039. Be sure to mention the title(s) when writing or print an order form from my website, www.AskDrGottMD.com.
