Athlete's Foot & Nail Fungus
Even with topical medication, fungal infections recur – eradicating nail fungus completely.
Common reasons for treatment failure in fungal infections.
Athlete's foot is a fungal (dermatophyte) infection, and it commonly manifests as maceration between the toes or thickening of the skin on the soles of the feet.
- Even after symptoms disappear, you should continue applying the ointment for at least 2 more weeks to prevent recurrence (stopping treatment prematurely is the leading cause of failure).
- In cases with thickened skin or recurrent infections, oral antifungal medication may be necessary.
- It can easily be confused with eczema or dyshidrotic eczema, and using steroid creams incorrectly can worsen the condition. If the diagnosis is unclear, have it confirmed by a dermatologist through microscopic examination.
Source: 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 · as of 2026-08-13
Fungal infections of the nails are difficult to treat with topical creams alone.
Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, causes the nails to thicken, become brittle, and turn yellow. It occurs when the fungus that causes athlete's foot infects the toenails.
- The standard treatment involves taking antifungal medication for several months, with regular liver function tests during use.
- Topical nail lacquers are only effective in early or mild cases.
- Even after successful treatment, it takes 6 to 12 months for new, healthy nails to grow in – a condition that requires patience until the nails regain their normal appearance.
- To prevent family transmission: Use separate towels and nail clippers, and dry shoes frequently.
Frequently asked questions
Does soaking your feet in vinegar help?
Home remedies (such as vinegar or acetic acid) can damage the skin due to chemical burns, which can then lead to secondary infections. Do not use them under any circumstances.
I heard that oral antifungal medications can be bad for the liver.
Rarely, there may be an increase in liver enzymes, so blood tests are performed if necessary, and the medication is taken. However, most patients complete treatment safely. Please inform us in advance if you have any liver conditions.
Sources for this page
· 질병관리청 국가건강정보포털 (as of 2026-08-13)Last checked: 2026년 8월 13일
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