Athlete’s foot itself is not that serious of an infection. It usually can be treated quite quickly. There are times, however, when the original fungal infection triggers a secondary bacterial infection. This occurs if the fungus should kill vulnerable bacteria through the production of an antibiotic substance. A hardier, more resistant type of bacteria grows in the place of these more vulnerable ones.
These newer bacteria then release substances that can cause the tissue breakdown which results in soggy skin and painful eroded areas between the toes.
There’s still one more complication of athlete’s foot you should be aware of. This one occurs after the infection has cleared. Proteins may enter your bloodstream, which may lead to an allergic reaction. This could cause an occurrence of blisters on your fingers, toes or even on your hands. This condition is called dermatophytid reaction.
Your infection may be so mild, in fact, that he may just recommend an over-the-counter remedy. There are plenty on the market. For the most part, mild infections respond well to the following prescription medication: Terbinafine (sold as Lamisil AT), Clotrimazole (sold as Lotrimin AF) and Miconazole (Micatin).
If your particular care of athlete’s foot doesn’t improve, then your health care practitioner may prescribe one of these stronger medications: Itraconazole (sold as Sporanox), Fluconazole (sold as Diflucan) or a stronger variation of Terbinafine (sold as Lamisil).
Before you fill that prescription that your personal care practitioner hands you though, be sure to question him thoroughly about the possible side effects of these medications. Oral itraconazole and oral terbinafine may be linked in rare cases to liver failure or even to death, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Taking oral itraconazole may, in fact, weaken the heart’s contractions. Be sure to tell your health care practitioner if you have a history of heart failure.
If you should have athlete’s foot as well as another bacterial infection, your health care practitioner may prescribe an oral antibiotic. He may also decide that your specific case can be helped by using steroid ointments. Other remedies that he may recommend may to wet dressings or compresses as well as vinegar soaks to help clear the blisters or the soggy skin.
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