Seeking Advice on Persistent Athlete's Foot Fissure
At 29 years old, I recently consulted with a dermatologist due to what began as a minor case of athlete's foot. Unfortunately, it progressed and spread to both of my feet, affecting the areas between my toes. My dermatologist recommended a 2% Ketoconazole cream, instructing me to apply it twice daily for a duration of four weeks. For more than a week now, I have been consistently cleaning my feet with antibacterial soap from Dial twice each day. I make sure to dry thoroughly between my toes before applying the ketoconazole cream. Additionally, I purchased toe separators to help keep my toes aired out. To further facilitate this, I’ve switched to wearing flip-flops at home and Crocs without socks to work. While I've observed significant improvements across both feet, one issue remains: a troubling fissure between my left pinky toe. This particular fissure is extremely painful, especially when I try to separate my toes, and seems resistant to the treatment I've been using. I'm quite concerned about the risk of infection since it appears to have split open. I reached out to my general practitioner, who advised me to apply a prescription antibiotic ointment I had on hand. Although I have a follow-up appointment with my dermatologist, I'm anxious they will just advise me to continue my current treatment. I'm feeling particularly stressed because I’m about to set off on my honeymoon, which I’ve been waiting for a year to take, and I’m currently battling this foot fungus. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/1/2025, 4:20:56 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation with your athlete's foot, particularly with the painful fissure between your pinky toe. You've done an excellent job following your dermatologist's advice and keeping your feet clean and dry, but I understand your concern about the lingering fissure.
Key Points:
- You’re managing a painful fissure on top of athlete's foot.
- There’s a risk of infection, especially since the fissure has split open.
- You’re about to embark on your honeymoon, and it’s understandably stressful.
Explanation:
Athlete's foot, caused by a fungal infection, can lead to painful fissures, especially if moisture is trapped, which can also increase the risk of secondary bacterial infections. The antibiotic ointment prescribed by your general practitioner could help prevent infection in the fissure, and your current treatment with ketoconazole is essential for the underlying fungal infection.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Continue Using Antibiotic Ointment: Apply the antibiotic ointment as directed by your general practitioner on your fissure to help prevent any infection. It’s crucial to keep this area covered as much as possible while allowing it to breathe.
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Maintain Dryness: After washing and drying your feet, consider using a moisture-absorbing foot powder (like talcum powder) to help keep the area between your toes dry throughout the day, especially when wearing flip-flops or Crocs.
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Consider a Barrier: If suitable, you might want to use a soft, breathable bandage on the fissure to protect it from further irritation while still allowing airflow. Change the bandage daily or if it gets wet.
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Pain Management: If the fissure continues to be very painful, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage discomfort, but be sure to follow the dosages on the label.
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Monitor for Signs of Infection: Keep an eye on the fissure for increased redness, swelling, or pus, which are signs of potential infection. If at any point you notice these symptoms, seek care immediately.
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Follow-Up Appointment: Be open with your dermatologist during your follow-up about your specific concerns regarding the fissure. They might offer additional treatments, like a different topical antifungal or suggestions for better management of the fissure.
Enjoy your honeymoon and try to take care of your feet as best as you can! You’ve taken proactive steps, and it sounds like you’re on the right track. If your issue persists or worsens, don't hesitate to seek further medical attention.
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