Athlete's foot: How to treat it now and prevent it from returning

Athlete’s foot is a common condition that can affect anyone, not just athletes. It's more common in people who sweat more, which gives insight into its name.

Often, people go to the doctor complaining of itchy or flaky skin on the foot, especially between the toes. Upon diagnosing athlete’s foot, healthcare professionals might prescribe an antifungal cream, such as Canesten HC, advising its use 2-3 times daily for up to a week, among other treatment options based on the condition's severity.

What often happens is that the nasty, red itching goes away, so the person follows their doctor’s instructions and stops treatment. Two months later, the raw, itching toes may return with a vengeance.

The problem is that although the symptoms of athlete’s foot are treated with Canesten HC, the problem doesn’t completely go away, it can keep coming back.

With consistent treatment and preventive measures, it’s possible to effectively manage athlete’s foot, significantly reducing the likelihood of it coming back.

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection. You can get athlete’s foot by coming into contact with the fungus. This can include walking barefoot where someone else with athlete’s foot has walked, or from touching affected skin.

Can you treat athlete’s foot at home?

If you suspect athlete's foot, over-the-counter antifungal treatments available at pharmacies or supermarkets can be effective. However, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional, especially if symptoms persist or are severe, to ensure the chosen treatment is appropriate for your situation.

You can get specialist athlete’s foot creams or sprays, or an antifungal treatment like Canesten Clotrimazole can work, too.

When do you need to see a GP?

Consult a healthcare provider if over-the-counter treatments aren’t working, the discomfort is severe, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, for a more targeted treatment approach.

If your foot or leg is red, painful and hot, contact your doctor as you may have a more serious infection. You should also seek medical advice if the fungus has spread to another part of your body, such as your hands.

How do I get rid of athlete’s foot permanently?

To permanently get rid of athlete’s foot, you need to be consistent with your treatment and give your skin the best chance of recovering. You can help this by drying your feet well after you have washed them and using a separate towel. Taking your shoes off when you are at home and changing your socks every day will also help.

1. If you experience severe itchiness or if over-the-counter remedies fail to provide relief, seek advice from a general practitioner (GP) for further assessment and treatment.
2. The GP will usually prescribe something like Canesten HC, which contains two main ingredients: an antifungal to kill the fungus and an anti-inflammatory to help with the itching and swelling.
3. After a week of using Canesten HC three times a day, switch to using an antifungal to make sure that the fungus is kept under control. Canesten contains the same antifungal ingredient as Canesten HC, but it doesn’t have the anti-inflammatory steroid (which you shouldn’t need after 7 days, and which should not be used more than needed). Canesten cream also works well. Apply it 2-3 times a day for at least a month.

How can I stop athlete’s foot from coming back?

Once you have got your athlete’s foot under control, keep up the good habits that you developed when you were treating it:

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly – using a different towel for your feet.
• Wear clean socks every day (preferably cotton ones)
• Take your shoes off when you are at home
• Try not to wear the same pair of shoes all of the time. 

The NHS recommends not wearing the same shoes for more than two days running. This is often not possible, especially for people who have to wear protective footwear, so there are other things that you can do to stop athlete’s foot from coming back.

While less common than bacterial resistance, fungi can develop resistance to antifungal treatments, emphasising the importance of using these medications as directed to mitigate such risks.

This means that it is OK for you to use an antifungal foot powder every day. Even plain talcum powder can help prevent athlete’s foot as it keeps your feet dry – and fungus thrives in warm, damp conditions, like in between sweaty toes. 

Getting rid of athlete’s foot for good is straightforward if you are consistent, but it does take time:

1. Use Canesten HC for a week
2. Switch to Canesten for four weeks
3. Keep feet clean and dry and use antifungal powder or talcum powder in your socks

To manage athlete’s foot effectively, consider starting with a recommended antifungal treatment like Canesten HC. For personalised advice and treatment options, completing an online medical consultation can be a convenient first step. However, for severe or persistent cases, see your GP.