Ask Our Expert - Clearing Up Athlete's Foot

November 06, 2009

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Ask Dr. Jana Clearing Up Athlete's Foot

QUESTION


If athlete's foot goes unnoticed for a week, will giving treatment still clear it up? — Adria in Alexandria, Virginia

ANSWER	May 27, 2000


The fungus that typically causes athlete's foot can be quite annoying but is generally harmless. There is no reason why giving treatment after a week of infection will not be effective. What you should know is that athlete's foot can take days to weeks to clear up. Remember that the fungus causing this infection likes to live in moist areas, so try to keep the foot/feet dry as much as possible to help speed up the process. If the toenails are involved, this type of fungal infection can be more difficult to clear up and you should have the treatment supervised by a physician. — by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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