What is athlete's foot?
This is a fungal infection on the feet. Athlete's foot is not serious, but the symptoms are very troublesome. Anyone can get it; you do not have to be an athlete.
What causes athlete's foot?
Most of the athlete's foot cases are brought on by a variety of fungi all coming from a group called dermatophytes, which likewise triggers jock itch and ringworm. The fungi grow in closed, warm, wet environments and eat keratin, a protein in nails, skin, and hair. In rare circumstances, athlete's foot can be triggered by non-dermatophytes, like yeast.
Athlete's foot is contagious. Even though it is mild, it can be spread through direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on shoes, floors, or towels. Walking barefoot increases the risk of getting athlete's foot. Moreover, some people are more susceptible to getting the condition than others. People with diabetes for example or people with impaired immune systems are at more risk if they have an open sore or cut on their feet.
What is clotrimazole?
Clotrimazole is part of the antifungal medications known as imidazoles. It prevents infection by stopping the fungi that cause it in the first place. Topical clotrimazole is frequently used to treat tinea pedis- athlete’s foot fungal infection. The cream is also used to treat tinea corporis- ringworm fungal infection and tinea cruris- jock itch fungal infection.
Uses of clotrimazole
Clotrimazole is mainly used to remedy skin infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock stick, and candidiasis. Clotrimazole is also used to treat infections that cause the darkening or lightening of the skin around the legs, arms, chest, and neck. This condition is medically referred to as tinea versicolor or pityriasis. This medication prevents the growth of fungi because it is an azole antifungal.
How to use athlete's foot (Clotrimazole) 1 % topical cream?
- This medication is strictly topical; that is, you can only use on your skin and not inside your body.
- The affected area should be properly cleaned and dried.
- Apply the clotrimazole directly on the affected skin. Do this twice a day or as prescribed by your doctor.
- The type of infection to be treated will determine the dosage and length of treatment.
- Your condition will heal quicker if you apply this medication more than instructed by your doctor. Applying more will only magnify the side effects.
- You should, however, apply enough to cover the area affected and the surrounded skin.
- When you finish applying, wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure none of the medication gets in your mouth, eyes, nose, or vagina.
- Do not cover, bandage, or wrap the area or else your doctor has specified you do that.
- Strictly follow the prescription and remember to use the clotrimazole the same time every day.
Do not stop using the clotrimazole even if the symptoms have disappeared. You have to finish the entire dosage. This ensures that the fungi do not grow back reducing the chances of having a relapse. If there are no visible sign of improvement after use, consult a doctor.
Side effects of clotrimazole
Some of the side effects of clotrimazole include:
- swelling
- redness
- irritation
- tenderness
- pimple-like bumps
- flaking of the treated skin
Your physician should immediately be notified in case any of the side effects worsen or persists. The benefits of this medication outways its side effects, especially if your doctor is the one who prescribed it. In fact, very few people experience the severe side effects of clotrimazole. There are also some serious side effects like oozing, blistering, open sores. These are very rare, but you should notify your doctor instantly.
Allergic reaction to clotrimazole
The likelihood of a serious allergic reaction is slim, but this too requires immediate attention. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction are:
- itching
- swelling
- rash
- severe dizziness
- difficulty in breathing
Precautions to be taken when using clotrimazole
Your doctor should be aware of whether you are allergic to clotrimazole, or other azole antifungals like ketoconazole, miconazole, or econazole before using the medication. The doctor should also know about any of your other allergies if you have any. This is important because the medication may include other inactive ingredients that you are allergic to, or that can cause a reaction.
The doctor should also be fully updated about your medical history. And if you are pregnant, this should not be your first alternative; there may be some risks during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Discuss with your doctor all the dangers.
How does clotrimazole interact with other drugs?
Before starting, changing, or stopping the dosage of any medication, consult your doctor. Clotrimazole can interact with other drugs, and your doctor needs to keep a close eye on the outcome. Inform your physician about every other prescription or over-the-counter drugs that you currently, or will likely use. It is a nice practice to always have a list of all your medications; it comes in handy in such situations.
What happens if you overdose on clotrimazole?
When you swallow or overdose on clotrimazole, it can be lethal. You will pass out and have trouble breathing. Quickly call 911 or poison control.
What happens if you miss a clotrimazole dose?
Simple, if you miss a clotrimazole dose, apply it as soon as you remember, unless it is near the next dose time. If this is so, skip the missed dose and wait for the next dose and resume the normal routine. Do not, however, overdose to make up for the missed dosage.
How to store your clotrimazole?
Different clotrimazole brands have different requirements when it comes to storage; you can read the package to confirm or ask the pharmacist to be sure. The basic requirements are to keep them away from children, pets, and direct sunlight. You should also be wary of how you discard the medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about this. A waste disposal company can also help.
Other treatments of athlete’s foot
Top athlete’s foot treatments
Athlete’s foot cream
Athlete’s foot can effectively be dealt with using OTC creams. In fact, these nonprescription products are usually sufficient to treat athlete’s foot when used properly, no prescription drugs required. Lotrimin and Lamisil are the common OTC creams for athlete’s foot. Previously, they required a prescription but not now.
Using nonprescription creams for athlete’s foot need some caution. Strictly follow the instructions on the package in terms of dosage, length, and everything else. Any mistake can prove to be catastrophic. In case of anything, visit a doctor without delay. The same should be done in case you see no improvements.
Athlete’s foot powders
Powders can treat athlete’s foot and also prevent it from reoccurring. A powder will prevent the fungi by keeping the feet dry, athlete’s foot fungi like moist places. Always ensure your toes are completely dry after a shower. You can use your towel to dry in between the toes or a blow drier.
Athletic sandals
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot are abundantly found on the floors of public places like the pool, the locker room, and gyms. If you want to walk or shower in such places, make sure you wear some athletic sandals. This will ensure you protect your feet from potential infection. Sandals are also handy when you are fighting athlete’s foot. The open shoes allow proper circulation on your feet keeping it dry and help to clear it up.
Athletic socks
Unlike the cotton socks, athletic socks are made from sweat-wicking fibers that do not hold moisture. This keeps your feet dry as much as possible. After using the socks, or when you feel it is starting to get moist, change them immediately. Do not stay with moist socks. You should also not repeat a pair before washing them and letting them properly dry.
Natural and home remedies for athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is simple to get, however getting rid of it can be hard. A lot of individuals have their own methods to handle it at home. There's not much clinical research study out there on how well these treatments work, however some work much better than others.
Tea tree oil for athlete's foot
Tea tree leaves are the source of this oil. Due to the fact that it can eliminate some types of germs and fungi, people have used it to treat athlete's foot. Tea tree oil can reduce scaling, itching, burning, and swelling of athlete's foot. Improvement takes, and this method will not work for all.
Tea tree oil can trigger allergic reactions or cause a skin rash. Talk to your physician about using tea tree oil beforehand. The doctor can suggest a tea tree item for you to try, or explain how to dilute the oil to avoid side effects.Never take tea tree oil by mouth given that it can be hazardous.
Sunflower oil for athlete's foot
Made from the sunflower seeds, this oil has actually long been said to combat bacteria. A brand called Oleozon with ozone has actually been known to get rid of athlete's foot in addition to being an antifungal medication. You use the oil to your feet rather of taking it by mouth. It's uncertain whether all brands of sunflower oil work like Oleozon; however, it is worth a try.
Green tea for athlete's foot
Soak your feet in lukewarm green tea. You will start to notice reduced symptoms like peeling and soreness. That's since nutrients in green tea called polyphenols have antifungal powers. But this approach won't work quickly. You might have to soak your feet every day for three months. And more studies are required to show that green tea can eliminate the fungus, not just make your feet feel and look okay.
Ajoene from garlic for athlete's foot
Ajoene is found in garlic. It may ease the signs of athlete's foot. It can be used as an antifungal pill when used by mouth. It can be found in gel form as well. Studies show that people who applied it to their feet saw their symptoms disappear after one week. This technique could likewise assist keep your athlete's foot from returning.
Sosa for athlete's foot
Studies reveal that a cream made from an extract of this shrubby plant works as an antifungal that you place on your athlete's foot. But while research studies reveal that Sosa is safe to place on your skin, it might be tough to come across this plant.
Vinegar for athlete's foot
It is believed that soaking your feet in a mix of water and vinegar will eliminate athlete's foot. While a vinegar soak will not do your feet any harm, there's insufficient evidence to show that it will do much good either.
Bitter orange for athlete's foot
This fruit originates from a specific type of orange tree. It's been used for many years in Chinese medication and by individuals who reside in the Amazon rain forest. Bitter orange oil is a natural fungi fighter. Besides athlete's foot, it might assist clean-up jock stick and ringworm. One research found that using dilute bitter orange oil on the feet three times every day, the fungi cleared up after a week or two. Bitter orange can irritate your skin if used in a pure state. Moreover, it increases the chances of getting a sunburn, so make certain to secure your skin from the sun if you utilize it.
Conclusion on using clotrimazole to treat athlete’s foot
Athlete's foot is a menacing fungal infection. The good thing is clotrimazole can treat it by stopping the fungus can cause the condition.
Clotrimazole is strictly topical; you should not consume it orally. Moreover, keep in mind that clotrimazole has very strict conditions when using it. These conditions require you to follow the prescription to the letter. This includes applying as instructed and finishing the entire dosage. You are also not allowed to share clotrimazole or use the same dose for a future condition. Patience is also required as the medication can take months to work.
