Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I ignore athlete's foot, will it go away on its own?
A: Unfortunately, no, athlete's foot requires treatment for it to go away. If left untreated, athlete's foot may spread to other parts of the body and may also lead to development of blisters or sores. It is best to treat athlete's foot as soon as possible as the quicker it will clear up, the sooner any unpleasant symptoms associated with it can be alleviated.
Q: If I have athlete's foot, can I continue to exercise or swim?
A: Athlete's foot won't prevent you from exercising, however it is best to refrain from swimming to avoid potentially spreading it to others as athlete's foot is contagious. If you do choose to exercise with athlete's foot, it is best to wear cotton socks and shoes in the changing rooms and to clean and dry feet after exercising. Take extra precautions to wash your socks using hot water and be sure to give your shoes the chance to breathe before wearing them again.
Q: Do only athletes get athlete's foot?
A: No, anyone can get athlete's foot. The fungus can be picked up from any damp or humid area with common places to contract athlete's foot including bathrooms, showers, locker rooms or around swimming pools.
Q: Does athlete's foot infection recur?
A: Yes, athlete's foot can recur even after complete healing. To prevent reinfection, it is best to take preventative measures such as maintaining good personal hygiene, drying the feet thoroughly after showering or swimming, changing socks frequently, keeping shoes well-ventilated and not sharing shoes or personal care items such as towels.
Q: My symptoms are starting to disappear, should I stop treatment early?
A: No, it is important to continue using Lamisil Cream, DermGel and Spray for the recommended treatment period, even if the symptoms disappear earlier. Infections usually appear to improve within a few days, but may return if the product is not applied as directed.
Q. How can I prevent athlete's foot in future?
Athlete's foot is most commonly found in warm, humid environments such as shoes, socks, change rooms, showers and around swimming pools. Some general tips to help avoid athlete's foot include:
- Make sure to keep feet dry, especially between the toes
- Expose feet to air as much as possible
- Wear light, well-ventilated shoes
- Opt for breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo or other natural materials to help keep your feet dry
- Protect your feet in public places by wearing waterproof sandals or thongs around public pools, showers and lockers rooms.