Atheletes Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin between the toes appearing as a patch of soft, white, cracked skin, sometimes with red areas visible beneath.
It may cause itching, burning or stinging and can create an unpleasant odour. It spreads via wet floors
Fungal infections can spread from person to person via bathroom/ shower floors and shared footwear or towels.
Bleach the shower or bath area to prevent spreading and reinfection. Wash socks and towels in hot water, wear flipflops in communal changing areas to prevent spreading the infection.
Topical antifungals are available in different formulations.Creams,and gels are usually used to treat the condition whereas sprays and powders can be used to keep atheletes foot at bay once it has cleared up eg by sprinkling the powder into socks and shoes each day.
Treatment with most Antifungals need to be continued for at least 14 days after the area has healed, because infected skin needs to be shed by the body for complete eradication of the fungi.
Lamisil has a shorter treatment course than other antifungals of just one week.
Combination products of an antifungal with hydrocortisone cream can be useful if there is severe itching but should be used for a maximum of two weeks - after that time a product containing an antifungal alone should be used for the rest of the treatment.

More information at NHS Choices

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