Q&A for How to Get Rid of Foot Fungus

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Question

What can kill a foot fungus?

Mark Co, DPM
Podiatrist
Dr. Mark Co is a Podiatrist who runs his own private practice in San Francisco, California. Dr. Co specializes in treatments for bunions, ingrown toenails, toenail fungus, warts, plantar fasciitis and other causes of foot pain. He also offers custom orthotics for the treatment and prevention of foot and ankle issues. Dr. Co completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at New York University and an MA in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Co also completed his DPM at the California School of Podiatric Medicine and a residency and internship at the Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, Santa Clara, California. Dr. Co was awarded San Francisco's "Top 3 Podiatrists" in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Dr. Co is also a member of the CPMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).

Mark Co, DPM

Podiatrist

Expert Answer

Foot fungus usually results in dry, flaky skin in between the toes, a lot of times on the forefoot, but it can be anywhere on the bottom surface of the foot. It can usually be treated at home with an antifungal cream, although you may need to get a prescription-strength lotion from a doctor if that doesn't work.

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Question

What medicines are good for treating severe foot fungus?

Stephen Chow, MD
Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Chow is an Internal Medicine Physician in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Chow received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas 2014 and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Stephen Chow, MD

Internal Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

There are lots of medicines, some more efficacious than others. Examples include selenium sulphide, nystatin power, oral terbinafine, or azole drugs. It depends on which part of the foot is affected (ex. sole vs. toenail).

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Question

Why do people get foot fungus?

Chris M. Matsko, MD
Family Medicine Physician
Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.

Chris M. Matsko, MD

Family Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

People get it due to the dampness on the foot from doing exercise or long days on your feet. You might want to try a foot powder to help avoid getting athlete's foot. If you do get athlete's foot, use one of the a over-the-counter anti-fungal treatments. If this does not work seek out the attention of a medical professional.

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Question

How do I prevent foot fungus?

Stephen Chow, MD
Internal Medicine Physician
Dr. Chow is an Internal Medicine Physician in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Chow received his MD from the Medical University of the Americas 2014 and completed his residency at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. He is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Stephen Chow, MD

Internal Medicine Physician

Expert Answer

Try to keep your feet dry. Fungi love warm, moist environments. If you 'air out' your feet rather than keeping them in shoes all the time, they are much less likely to develop fungal growth.

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Question

How can I take care of my feet to ensure foot fungus doesn't come back?

Miguel Cunha, DPM
Board Certified Podiatrist
Dr. Miguel Cunha is the founder of Gotham Footcare and is a podiatrist based in Manhattan, New York. Dr. Cunha is a foot and ankle surgeon with experience treating a wide array of foot and ankle conditions from minor problems to complex reconstructive foot and ankle surgery. Dr. Cunha received his DPM from the Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine and completed his residency as the Chief Resident at the Washington Hospital Center and Georgetown University where he specialized in lower extremity trauma, diabetic limb salvage, and reconstructive surgery of the foot and ankle. Dr. Cunha is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association, the New York Podiatric Medical Association, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, and is board certified in Podiatric Medicine.

Miguel Cunha, DPM

Board Certified Podiatrist

Expert Answer

Avoid going barefoot in public areas like gym showers or the pool, and spray Lysol into your shoes each day to kill any fungus or bacteria. Also, be sure to keep your feet dry, especially around your toes.

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