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Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

TMI Alert - fungus infection between toes

21 replies

excuseforfights · 30/04/2020 11:50

Hi all, I think I have athlete's foot between by smallest and second toe.

I had a telephone consultation with the GP who has prescribed an anti-fungal for me that I will pick up imminently.

Will this really work? The fungus just keeps on growing. Is there anything else I can do to stop it growing?

Thanks

OP posts:
LouiseTrees · 30/04/2020 12:04

Main thing is to make sure you wash and especially dry your feet thoroughly. Not drying properly will mean it will come back.

StopGo · 30/04/2020 12:05

Wash and dry your feet really well especially between your toes. A cool hairdryer pointed towards your feet can help.
Air your feet and your footwear regularly, try not to wear same shoes everyday.
Try to wear cotton socks where possible to minimise the sweat. Wash socks and foot towel frequently.

Can with the pharmacist as the cream may be cheaper over the counter. My DH also likes to use an anti athletes foot powder ask the pharmacist. The cream always works for him.

vanillandhoney · 30/04/2020 12:11

You need to wash and dry between your toes - don't put socks etc. on right away, let your feet dry out properly beforehand.

If you have to wear socks, make sure they're light and cotton so they're as breathable as possible. Clean socks everyday, and as far as possible, make sure your shoes are breathable too. Cotton canvas shoes are good, or of course sandals if possible.

If your feet get sweaty and horrible, wash them again and let them breathe.

FlowerArranger · 30/04/2020 12:16

Wash, dry thoroughly, let your feet breathe, only wear cotton socks, air shoes and don't wear the same every day.

Ask the pharmacist about using an antifungal foot spray or powder in addition to the prescribed cream.

If it doesn't clear up, you may need an oral treatment such as Lamisil, which does take 3-6 months but is very effective. I took it 25 years ago and the infection never recurred.

MitziK · 30/04/2020 12:20

When you get your prescription, ask the pharmacist if you can get the same over the counter for less than the prescription charge.

Put all your towels through a hot wash after one use for the time being, as well. Tumbledrying could also be a good choice.

If you have flannels, you could use those for drying your feet instead, which would reduce the actual volume of washing/drying.

It's likely your shoes are contaminated/harbouring it as well. I would bin trainers and thoroughly clean the insides of other footwear that could take it.

And then act like you're in the gym. Don't walk barefoot, wear something that can be cleaned easily like flip flops/sliders.

And check everybody else in the house, as there's a good chance you've given to or got it from them.

I caught it from an ex (never had it in my life until his manky feet showed up). What actually worked for me was using hibiscrub, but that stings like a bastard if you have any open, weeping bits or splits.

If it doesn't heal or you're immune suppressed, you can go back to the GP.

AvoidingRealHumans · 30/04/2020 12:24

I think my 5 year old has this 😩 he cries that his toes are itchy and they are peeling.

A friend posted some athletes foot cream to use in case it is that.
Was going to call the gp for a phone triage but they aren't accepting calls and have a new complicated online system that I can't make head nor tail of 🙄

excuseforfights · 30/04/2020 12:52

Thanks everyone! Great advice!

The pharmacist says I've been prescribed Miconazole which works for 90% of people and it's cheaper over the counter.

Many thanks for the tips. I hate, hate fungus and hate touching the toe. Can I just run the shower over the foot and dry it or do I need to get in there with soap?

@AvoidingRealHumans I would treat it now, because if the fungus grows it becomes harder to walk and more painful. Maybe you could call your local pharmacy to ask if the anti-fungal is suitable for kids? I can't think why it wouldn't be.

OP posts:
selly24 · 30/04/2020 12:56

One product that I have found is excellent: Daktarin Spray powder. Available over the counter

Likethebattle · 30/04/2020 13:27

Get athletes foot powder and put some in all your shoes. Also put some on your feet before adding socks and shoes. You do need to wash the area well and let your feet dry thoroughly.

KittenVsBox · 30/04/2020 13:49

Yes to washing. Yes yes yes to drying - the hairdryer is good, as are twists of toilet paper between your toes for half an hour or so.
I dont like the sprays. I do use tea tree oil if I have a small flare up. Antifungal cream if it gets worse.

MitziK · 30/04/2020 13:54

You need to wash it properly - to get any other nasties off/out of what is vulnerable skin. You don't need something like a staph. infection in it as well.

AtLeastThreeDrinks · 30/04/2020 13:57

All of the above plus wash your bedding regularly, wear flip flops around the house to air your feet (not barefoot to avoid spreading spores). Use the Scholl powder (or similar) whenever you wear socks as a preventative measure. Bamboo socks are the best for preventing sweating.

Disinfect the shower when you're done in there!

vanillandhoney · 30/04/2020 14:01

Can I just run the shower over the foot and dry it or do I need to get in there with soap?

No, you really need to wash properly, getting right in between your toes and using soap and warm water. Just spraying the shower over your feet won't really do anything to get rid of the infection.

excuseforfights · 30/04/2020 15:33

Thanks everyone I’ll get over my squeamishness and do it properly.

Much of the foot has become swollen and red. Is that normal?

OP posts:
Likethebattle · 30/04/2020 16:13

No that’s not normal. Ask the pharmacist to have a look at it. You will need to speak to your gp as it sounds like an infection!

woodencoffeetable · 30/04/2020 16:19

is the swelljng after you startet treatment?

also: covid toes

wash towel, socks, bathmats hot.

excuseforfights · 30/04/2020 19:02

Thank you both, I'll call the GP and / or see the pharmacist tomorrow.

The swelling started before the treatment.

OP posts:
AtLeastThreeDrinks · 01/05/2020 14:40

Fungal infection can turn to cellulitis if not treated. Hope you managed to get to the pharmacy for advice.

sueelleker · 01/05/2020 14:52

When I got it (noticed by my chiropodist) I bought some "Lamisil Once." Did the trick. www.reviewsyoutrust.co.uk/lamisil-once-review/

Brigante9 · 01/05/2020 15:32

Oh bugger, you may have what I had a couple of years ago, a serious attack of pompholyx, chronic eczema. I’d never had eczema before and it started as a tiny patch of what I thought was athletes’ foot. I don’t like the sound of the swelling, mine wasn’t swollen, just bubbled, itchy, then all the skin on my feet fell off like a slow Footner! I was in A&E overnight.

GenuineKlatchianPottery · 01/05/2020 15:36

Apple cider vinegar and warm water. Soak your feet for around half an hour. Instant relief from the itching.

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