There are many people who suffer from athletes’ foot in Midtown, Manhattan. Such people should definitely visit a Midtown podiatrist. They will diagnose and offer advice on how to alleviate the condition.
Athletes’ foot refers to a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The name comes from the prevalence of the condition in athletes and is a highly contagious condition. Even the most severe of athlete’s foot infections can be cured with antifungal creams and ointments.
It is very hard to treat an athlete’s foot despite it often being a mild condition. The main method of treating athlete’s feet is using medication; there are several forms of medication used to treat the condition.
A podiatrist will either prescribe medication, which is for serious cases, or you can get it over the counter for mild cases of athlete’s foot.
If you visit a podiatrist, the following are treatment options they are likely to recommend:
Creams and Ointments
The predominant solution for treating athletes’ foot is the use of topical creams. Topical creams are those that are applied on top of the skin. The name comes from the prevalence of the condition in athletes and is a highly contagious condition.
For a fungal infection that affects the skin, antifungal creams and ointments are very effective. They are also very easy to use as they only need to be applied once or twice a day.
Most antifungal creams and ointments will alleviate the itching typical of athlete’s foot. Even the most severe of athlete’s foot infections can be cured with antifungal creams and ointments.
Over the counter topical creams will often be for mild cases of athlete’s foot. For stronger cases, you will need to get a prescription.
Sprays
When applying creams and ointments on an infected foot, it is difficult to reach some places. That can be remedied by the use of an antifungal spray. Most people with athlete’s food excrete a lot of liquids from their feet. It is especially so when they peel back the skin of their foot from constant scratching.
Sprays are also very effective since they tend to be quite potent. You also do not need to use a lot of the spray which can be cost effective.
Sprays are particularly effective for serious athlete’s foot cases that get irritated when touched. You can simply spray your foot and leave the medication to dissolve.
Pills
Though athlete’s foot is a condition that affects the exterior of your body, it can be treated from within the body. The way to accomplish this is through the use of antifungal pills.
Most oral medication used to treat athlete’s feet requires a prescription from a podiatrist. The reason is that some of them can have serious side effects.
Oral medication needs to be metabolized by the liver before they can be delivered to where they are needed in the body. Furthermore, agents such as antacids can affect the effectiveness of antifungal oral medication.
Pills have to take into account the age of the patient in order to adjust the dosage. Pregnant women are also advised against the use of certain antifungal pills.
Powders
Finally, antifungal powders can be used to alleviate athlete’s foot. Powders are particularly effective for their drying quality.
Most people with athlete’s food excrete a lot of liquids from their feet. It is especially so when they peel back the skin of their foot from constant scratching.
An antifungal powder requires time to settle into the pores of the feet. You can get them over the counter or through a prescription. Furthermore, agents such as antacids can affect the effectiveness of antifungal oral medication.
