Athletes Foot  

This article has been written and medically approved by Pharmacist Conor McSorley GPhC Reg No. 2223070

Athletes foot is caused by a fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It generally occurs when the feet are kept in moist, warm airless conditions which fungi like the most. Anyone can get athlete’s foot, but it is more common in people who sweat more, it can also be passed on from person to person. 

At first the skin between the little toes becomes infected with a rash developing which becomes itchy and scaly. This may become cracked and sore with large splits between the skin developing which can be very painful. The rash will spread gradually across the toes if left untreated for a period of time.

Typically, fungi will not travel deeper than the surface of the skin however, other germs may enter through the cracked skin of untreated athlete’s foot which can cause an infection of the foot or even the leg. An infection may also spread to the nail which can take weeks or months to clear and therefore is best prevented.

Treatment is usually one of the following which are available online or in one of our stores.

• Clotrimazole: apply 2-3 times a day for at least four weeks.
• Miconazole: apply twice a day and continue for 10 days after the skin is back to normal.
• Econazole: apply twice a day until the skin is back to normal.
• apply twice a day for seven days. Continue for a further few days if more severe. Not suitable for children.
• Terbinafine: apply once or twice a day for seven days. Not suitable for children.
• Undecenoic acid: apply twice a day and continue for a week after the skin is back to normal.