prevention
Athlete’s Foot has a nasty habit of recurring. There are two main reasons for this: sloppy footcare, and failure to complete the recommended course of treatment.
Most Athlete’s Foot treatments are ‘fungistatic’, which means they contain the fungi in the infected area, eventually resulting in their death as long as treatment is maintained as directed on the pack. Your skin will eventually shed these fungi, but only if you complete the course of treatment. If you stop as soon as the itchiness stops, live fungi may still be present and start spreading again. You might do better to use Lamisil Once®, which treats Athlete’s Foot in one application.
Whatever kind of treatment you use, you still have to look after your feet to stop Athlete’s Foot recurring. If you’ve never had Athlete’s Foot, these tips will also help you reduce the chances of getting it in the first place:
- Keep your feet clean, washing them at least once a day in warm soapy water.
- Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Wear 100% cotton or ‘cotton-rich’ socks (which absorb moisture) and leather, suede or canvas shoes.
- Wear open sandals wherever possible, like around your home. Or just your socks. Or go barefoot – but not in public places.
- Try not to wear the same shoes on consecutive days.
- Wear flip-flops or similar footwear around public swimming pools, and in public showers and changing rooms.
- Dust your feet with talcum powder after washing and drying them. This will soak up excess moisture.
- Don’t share socks, towels or shoes.
- Examine the spaces between your toes regularly for signs of infection.
- Give your feet a breather at least once during the day – perhaps in your lunch break.
Contains terbinafine. Always read the label.
