DIAGNOSIS
The doctor will observe the signs and symptoms by looking at the foot. If the doctor is not sure about your feet’ condition, he/she will conduct a skin lesion potassium hydroxide exam.
This exam is done by extracting a small patch of contaminated skin and immersing it in potassium hydroxide. Afterward, the KOH kills normal cells while leaving the fungal cells unchanged, making them easy to examine under a microscope.
TREATMENT
If you have a mild athlete’s foot, the doctor will prescribe over-the-counter topical antifungal medications. If these drugs fail to work, he/she will suggest topical or oral-prescription strength antifungal medications, along with other home remedies to get rid of the infection.
OTC medications
- terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- miconazole (Desenex)
- clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)
- tolnaftate (Tinactin Butenafine)
- (Lotrimin Ultra)
Prescription medications
- Topical and prescription-strength: clotrimazole or miconazole
- Oral antifungal medications: itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or prescription-strength terbinafine (Lamisil)
- Topical steroid medications for intense inflammation
- Oral antibiotics for bacterial infections
Home Treatment
The doctor will order you to wet your feet in saltwater or diluted vinegar to dry the blisters quickly.
Alternative Therapy
Tea tree oil is one of the most common alternative therapies to eliminate an athlete’s foot infection. If you are unsure about it, ask your doctor.