Athlete’s foot affects many people at least once in their lives. The infection is often noticed by itching in the interdigits, white, swollen skin or sometimes bloody cracks between the toes. Since athlete’s foot does not usually heal on its own, it must be treated.
Suitable for this purpose are e.g. special ointments with antimycotic active ingredients, which are available without prescription in pharmacies. When treating the fungal disease with creams or ointments, the feet should be thoroughly cleaned before each application. Worn socks should be washed hot.
In addition, the spaces between the toes should be carefully dried, as the fungus feels most comfortable in a moist environment. It is best to use disposable towels so that the fungus cannot be transferred to other parts of the body through the towel. Then the desired ointment or cream can be applied to the affected skin areas. After applying the cream, it is essential to wash your hands to prevent the fungus from spreading. Below you will find some preparations that can be used to treat athlete’s foot.
Canesten® Extra Cream
Canesten® Extra Cream is available over the counter at pharmacies. It contains the active ingredient bifonazole. The effect of bifonazole is based on the inhibition of certain enzymes of fungi, which are required for the formation of the cell wall.
As a result, the fungal cells become unstable and eventually die. Bifonazole has a broad spectrum of action, as it acts equally on yeast fungi, molds, dermatophytes and other fungi (e.g. Malassezia furfur). As the exact genus of the athlete’s foot is not known to most of the patients, this preparation is well suited for treatment, as it already covers various pathogens.
In addition, Canesten® Extra Cream has an anti-inflammatory effect. Unless otherwise prescribed, the cream is applied thinly to the affected skin areas once a day. In most cases, a small amount of cream is sufficient.
In the case of athlete’s foot, a treatment period of about 3 weeks should be observed in order to eliminate the fungus permanently. If after one week no improvement of the symptoms can be observed, a doctor should be consulted. In the course of treatment, allergic skin reactions to the drug may occur in rare cases (rash, blistering, etc.).
However, these subside at the end of the treatment. Interactions with other drugs are not yet known. In infants and during pregnancy or lactation the cream should only be used under medical supervision or on medical advice. The active ingredient is also available as a spray.
