A friend has Athlete's foot. What's the best way to get rid of this?

Also, can this spread to the hand? Her hands are dry and cracked like her feet bottoms.

Athlete鈥檚 foot is caused by a fungus. Fungi commonly grow on or in the top layer of human skin and may or may not cause infections. Fungi grow best in warm, moist areas, such as the area between the toes.

Athlete's foot is easily spread (contagious)鈥攜ou can get it by touching the affected area of a person who has it. More commonly, you pick up the fungi by going barefoot in shared areas, such as swimming pools or locker rooms. The fungi then grow in the warm and moist environment of your footwear, especially if it is tight so that little air can move around your feet.

Some people are more likely to develop athlete's foot (susceptible) than others. Experts don't know why this is. Once you have had athlete's foot, you are more likely to get it again.

If you come in contact with the fungi that cause athlete's foot, you can spread the fungi to others, whether you develop the infection or not.

Antifungal medications that are used on the skin (topical) are usually the first choice for treating athlete's foot (tinea pedis). They are available in prescription or nonprescription forms. Nonprescription medications usually are used first.

For severe cases of athlete's foot, your health professional may prescribe antifungal pills (oral medication). However, treatment with oral medication is expensive, requires periodic testing for dangerous side effects, and does not guarantee a cure.

When treating athlete's foot, it is important to use all the medication. Using it as directed, even after the symptoms have gone away, increases the likelihood that you will kill the fungi and that the infection will not return.

Medication Choices
Nonprescription antifungals usually are used first. These include terbinafine (Lamisil AT), miconazole (Micatin), clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), and tolnaftate (Tinactin, Tinaderm).

Prescription antifungals are used if nonprescription medications are not successful or if you have a severe infection. These include naftifine (Naftin), butenafine (Mentax), miconazole (Monistat Derm), and clotrimazole (Lotrimin).


Try Lamisil (at drug stores without prescription) first. If that doesn't work, see doctor for prescription creams.

pee in the shower

yes it can spread. Its unlikely but possible. get some tinactin.

lanisil cream available at drug stores. I think they make it a pill too.

It's usually cause by a fungal infection, probably from not drying feet properly when wet, or using the same socks too many times. Tell her to get some anit-bacterial cream from the chemist and follow directions. It shouldn't take too long to clear.

yes it could.apply some vaselin.more itching would be there so ask her not scratch

"Tinea pedis" is the proper term. It is a fungal infection. It is the same fungus that causes jock-itch (tinea cruris), just FYI. Topical anti-fungals over the counter work just fine.

Obviously, keeping one's feet clean and dry goes a long way in preventing the disease.