How Is Athletes Foot Treated?
A doctor can often diagnose athlete’s foot simply by examining the affected area. Your doctor may also take a small scraping of the skin on your foot. This sample is then examined under a microscope or sent to a laboratory for culture to see if the fungi that cause athlete’s foot are present. If you have athlete’s foot, over-the-counter antifungal creams and sprays may solve the problem. Most mild cases of athlete’s foot usually clear up within 2 weeks, but it is common for athlete’s foot to recur (come back), so some people use medicated powders and sprays to prevent this from happening. If an athlete’s foot infection is more serious, it can take longer than a couple of weeks to get better. In these cases, it’s a good idea to see your doctor, who may prescribe a stronger antifungal cream, spray, or pill.
