Keep the skin clean and dry. Wash the feet thoroughly with soap and water and dry the area completely. Blow-drying the feet is more effective than drying with a towel.

Wear clean socks. Change socks and shoes as often as necessary to keep the feet dry.

Use anti-fungal powders or creams. Antibiotics may be needed to treat secondary bacterial infections.

Wet dressings or medicated soaks are used to clean raw, wet or weeping lesions. Dry, scaly lesions may respond to topical creams or lotions.

Preventive measures

Good personal hygiene helps to prevent and treat athlete's foot.

Anti-fungal powders may be used as a preventive measure if a person is susceptible to athlete's foot.

Drying the feet thoroughly after bathing or swimming has been shown to be the best means to prevent the disorder.

Avoid socks made of synthetic materials, because they can retain moisture against the skin.

Change the socks as frequently as needed to keep the feet dry on a daily basis. Shoes should be well ventilated and preferably of natural material such as leather, if feet perspire greatly.

Dry your toes thoroughly after bath and try to spend time with bare feet when you can.

Wear sandals or shoes when walking on moist or wet floors.

Don't share shoes or personal care items such as towels.