When there is incessant itching and burning sensation under the soles and around the toes, and blisters begin to break out, the feet may have been attacked by fungus, resulting to athlete’s foot. The foot fungus that has been identified to cause athlete’s foot is the Trichophyton. Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection that may lead to bleeding, foul odor, and even a secondary infection.
Fortunately, there are numerous over-the-counter athlete’s foot treatments. These medicines are most effective if the foot fungus is discovered early. If athlete’s foot is left ignored until it worsens, the over-the-counter medicines may not immediately work. At other times, athlete’s foot seems to heal but then it comes back again. To prevent the recurrence of athlete’s foot and to ensure the treatment of the foot fungus, a two-way approach to treating this infection is recommended.
On one front, foot fungus can be destroyed by the use of medicines, particularly, the anti-fungal creams. Some of the most popular creams for athlete’s foot are antibiotics (such as miconazole and clotrimazole) and some simply dry and acidify the skin (such as Burrow’s solution and Domeboro’s solution) to prevent the growth of fungi.
Miconazole and clotrimazole are antibiotics that thwart the growth of the fungus that caused the athlete’s foot. The suggested method of using antibiotics is the topical application on the affected area, twice a day. Only a thin layer of it is used to completely coat the foot fungus infection.
The active ingredient of Burrow’s solution and Domeboro’s solution is aluminum acetate. In a solution, the aluminum acetate transforms into acetic acid, which stops the foot fungus infection by increasing the acidity of the surrounding skin. Most fungi, like the Trichophyton do not survive an environment with high acidity.
The foot fungus thrives in moist environments and sweat-covered feet are ideal for them. Therefore, an important aspect of athlete’s foot treatment is to keep the feet clean and dry, especially the area between the toes where the foot fungus may attach and hide. But regular cleaning of the feet is not nearly enough. The shoes and shower area must also be cleaned. Ideally, the shoes should allow the feet to breath. Shoes made of leather and similar materials allow feet to breath. Vinyl shoes keep the feet moist and encourage the growth of foot fungus.
The two approaches to athlete’s foot treatment must be carried out simultaneously. One approach is made more effective if the other is also being implemented.