What Does Athlete’s Foot Cream Do & How To Apply It?

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Athlete’s foot cream is a topical treatment for the common fungal infection called athlete’s foot. It contains an antifungal agent that helps to prevent and treat this condition. The most commonly used ingredient in these creams is ketoconazole, which belongs to the class of drugs known as azoles. This group of medications has been shown to be effective against many types of fungi.

Different Athlete’s Foot Cream Ingredients: What Does it Contain?

Here are some of the best athlete’s foot creams to keep your feet fresh and dry. The active ingredients in athlete’s foot cream are usually one or more of the following:

Ketoconazole (Nizoral): Ketoconazole is a broad-spectrum antifungal medication that works by inhibiting the growth of fungus cells. It can also help to reduce inflammation and itching associated with the condition.

Clotrimazole (Lotrimin): Lotrimin is another popular antifungal drug that is often included in athlete’s feet treatments. It is similar to ketoconazole but has a slightly different mechanism of action.

Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil is a natural remedy that has been found to have some anti-fungal properties. It may help to relieve symptoms such as itching and burning.

What Does Athlete's Foot Cream Do

Before taking this medicine

You should not use any other medicines unless they have been discussed with your healthcare provider.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you might be pregnant, or if you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this product.

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may perform blood tests to check how well this medication is working.

Do not stop using this medicine without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly could cause serious problems.

How to use Athletic Foot Cream?

Apply the cream to the infected area once a day. Do not rub the cream on the skin. Instead, gently pat it onto the affected area.

Use the cream for at least 2 weeks. If there is no sign of improvement after 2 weeks, then you should contact your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions While Using Athlete’s Foot Cream

  1. Talk to your doctor before using any new products.
  2. This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol can increase these effects. Avoid alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
  3. It may take up to 4 weeks for this medicine to start working.

Side Effects of using Athlete’s Foot Cream

Some side effects may occur when you use this medicine. However, most people tolerate this medicine very well. Common side effects include:

  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Rash
  • Sore throat
  • Stuffy nose
  • Fever

Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your immune system improves. 

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

Storage of Athlete’s Foot Cream?

Store the medicine in a cool dry place where children cannot reach it. Store the medicine in a tight container. Keep out of the reach of pets.

Disclaimer: All information presented by HealthCareDecisions.com was gathered from open sources published online. The views expressed here are mine alone and are not intended to reflect those of my employer or anyone else. Please consult doctors or health care providers regarding your family’s needs.

What should I avoid while using Athlete’s Foot Cream?

  • Avoid getting wet feet. This can lead to fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
  • Avoid sharing towels or bedding.
  • Avoid swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis.
  • Avoid wearing sandals or flip-flops. They can trap moisture between your toes and leave them vulnerable to infection.
  • Avoid prolonged exposure to high humidity.
  • Avoid walking barefoot on damp floors.
  • Avoid spending long periods of time sitting in one position.
  • Avoid standing for extended periods of time.
  • Avoid sleeping in socks.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, or genitals.
  • Avoid being near someone who has an active cold or flu.

Other uses for athlete’s foot cream

The athlete’s foot will clear up within 1 week. It takes about 3 months for athlete’s foot to completely disappear.

Can I get athlete’s foot again?

Yes, you can get athlete’s foot again. You must be careful to prevent further outbreaks.

Disclaimer: All information presented by HealthyLifeTips.com was gathered from public resources. We did our best to ensure accuracy but we do not guarantee full correctness. This website is not affiliated with the official companies represented above, and the opinions provided represent the author’s only and not those of the companies themselves.

Can you use athlete’s foot cream for jock itch?

No, athlete’s foot cream won’t help treat jock itch. Jock itch is caused by bacteria that live on human skin. There is no cure for jock itch. However, there are treatments available to relieve symptoms. Your doctor can prescribe medications to kill the bacteria causing jock itch. Here are the best creams for jock itch.

How long until athlete’s foot clears up?

The rash will clear up within 1-2 days. It takes about 3-4 weeks for athlete’s feet to completely disappear.

Conclusion

If you have athlete’s foot, apply the cream twice daily for 2 weeks. If you don’t see improvement after 2 weeks, continue applying the cream for another 2 weeks. If you still don’t see any improvement, contact your doctor.

Pamela Couch

I am a designer, shoe-obsessed lifestyle expert, and founder of https://footwind.net/, a shoe boutique located in Downtown Atlanta. I love shoes and I love being able to share my passion for them with others.