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Are there any side effects of antifungal medication for athlete's foot?

Long-term use of oral antifungal medications can cause nausea and liver damage. Topical antifungals can cause itching and burning.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis is a contagious fungal infection of the foot, known commonly as athlete's foot . It usually begins with itchy, fluid-filled blisters between the toes and is spread by direct or indirect contact with the skin. However, it can also present as dry, scaly …

What are the symptoms of tinea pedis?

Symptoms of tinea pedis are itchy blisters that contain a clear fluid, which most commonly occur between the toes. Other types of tinea pedis include pustules on the side of the feet (caused by tinea interdigital), and scaly, dry patches on the sole, …

What causes tinea pedis?

Tinea pedis is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes (also known as ringworm). Dermatophytes use keratin, a component of the skin, as an energy source. Depending on the species and strain of dermatophyte causing infection, the severity of your response …

How is tinea pedis diagnosed?

A skin scraping from the affected area is added to potassium hydroxide (KOH). KOH destroys fungal cells, which makes it easier to see if any fungal cells are present under a microscope.

How is tinea pedis treated?

Tinea pedis is treated with topical antifungal creams such as ketoconazole and terbinafine, applied directly to the affected area, or oral antifungal medications such as fluconazole. Treatment for a while after symptoms have disappeared is needed to prevent it …

Who gets tinea pedis?

Although anyone can get tinea pedis, it is more common in males in their late teens and early adulthood.

Can tinea pedis be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of getting it, or sharing it if you already have it, by not walking barefoot in public showers or spaces such as gyms and pools.

Can tinea pedis heal on its own?

No. If you have tinea pedis you will need to use antifungal medication to clear the infection.

Will tinea pedis keep coming back?

It is important to keep taking your medication for some time after symptoms have disappeared, otherwise tinea pedis can come back.

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Tinea, also known as ringworm, is a common skin infection with a characteristic ring-like appearance. It is caused by several types of fungus and can appear on different parts of the body including the scalp, chest, feet, groin, face, hands and nails. Tinea is very contagious but easily treated.…
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Hives

Hives is a skin rash characterised by itchy, red swellings. It can appear on the face, trunk, arms, legs, and lips. Hives are commonly a sign of an allergic reaction, which can be triggered by a range of factors. Depending on the duration and severity, different treatment options are available.…
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Jock itch

Jock itch refers to an uncomfortable itch experienced in the groin. It is a common condition caused by a fungal infection, known as tinea. It is treated using antifungal creams and can be prevented by reducing moisture build-up in the groin.…
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Scabies

Scabies is a skin condition caused by tiny mites. It causes severe itching and a rash from the mites burrowing into the skin to lay eggs. Scabies is treatable using prescription medicine.…
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Contact dermatitis

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Folliculitis

Folliculitis describes the inflammation of the hair follicles in the skin. Folliculitis can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows, but is most common around legs, armpits, buttocks, face, scalp and groin. It causes red bumps, pimples, crusting and itchy or painful skin. It usually settles within a few weeks.…

About this article

Author: Jonathan Meddings BMedLabSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 14 May 2019
Rating: 4.3 out of 5
Votes: 1222 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Tinea

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