Foot fungus help

[ToshaBill]

I've had foot fungus for many years. It comes and then it goes. I use the drug store stuff, lotrimin or something, and it goes away. Then I don't do anything, it's fine and it comes back again. I feel like I'm on this endless cycle. I went to the doctor once and got a prescription and it helped - went away immediately. But, it came back about a month after I stopped using it. Does anyone have any tips.

[enso]

I've had toenail fungus, too. My doctor put me on Lamisil which helped, but she told me I couldn't drink alcohol, so I decided I can live with the funky toenails.

[Dr. D]

I've had foot fungus for many years. It comes and then it goes. I use the drug store stuff, lotrimin or something, and it goes away. Then I don't do anything, it's fine and it comes back again.

Reinfection is common with foot fungus, also called athlete's foot or tinea pedis. Many people who have chronic problems with foot fungus, need to take steps to avoid reinfection.

One of the best over the counter medications is Lamisil cream. Start by using the cream twice a day for 2-4 weeks. Once it appears to have resolved, use the cream once a day for a week and then every other day for about a month. If your feet sweat a lot, use an antiperspirant spray, as moist environments are a great place for fungus to grow. Make sure you rotate your shoes and air them out between use. Consider replacing old shoes and switch out all your insoles. Buy new, cheap liners (they even have anti-fungal liners at the drug store) for your shoes. Or place an anti-fungal powder or spray in your shoes. Consider buying anti-fungal soap (or soaps with tea tree oil) to use daily to prevent recurrence.

Unfortunately, this may be an ongoing battle. Most people stop using medications once they notice the fungus is gone, and don't take the necessary steps to prevent it from coming back again.

[ToshaBill]

I started using the Lamasil and it seems to be helping. I've been using it twice a day and it seems like the fungus is almost gone. But, there is a place around my big toe with lots of red spots, I think I saw these little, tiny blisters there before, but there are gone now. It itches like crazy. Should I still use the fungus cream?

[Dr. D]

When foot fungus appears with tiny blisters it is called vesicular tinea. Yes, continue using the cream. Even when you think the foot fungus has resolved, continue using it on an every other day basis for a few weeks. This will help prevent reinfection. If you are having a lot of itching, try a topical steroid (like a hydrocortisone 1%) daily for 10 days. Do not continue this for longer without seeing your physician, because it can actually worsen the fungal infection with long term use. But, in the short term, topical steriods will decrease the itching and the redness.

More information on foot fungus.

[SashaMichelson]

Prevention is better than cure!

Keeping feet clean, ventilated and regularly checked up can save you a lot of time, money and stress. The basic problem is that now days we don't have time to take proper care of ourselves. Life is so busy and hectic. It only occurs to us when the problem has passed its initial stage.

I would advice "more time" to yourself and checkups have the actual remedy.

Thank you