Athlete’s foot is one of the most common problems that the chiropodist in Whelehans Pharmacy gets asked about. Whelehans now has a chiropodist in store two days per week and has a reduced rate of €25 if you are aged over 60.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of skin between the toes, which can spread further onto the foot if left untreated. It appears as patches of soft, white, cracked skin, sometimes with red areas visible underneath. Athlete’s foot may cause itching, burning, or stinging and can have an unpleasant odour. It spreads via wet floors and shared footwear or towels.
The most effective creams to treat athlete’s foot are terbinafine (Lamisil AF cream ), miconazole (Daktarin ), and clotrimazole (Canestan ). These are all available without prescription in pharmacies and are free on prescription for medical card patients. Terbinafine cream is the most effective treatment for athlete’s foot. Whelehans have a less expensive generic version of terbinafine cream called Lanafine AF cream which is half the price.
Continue treatment for at least 14 days after the area has healed. Antifungal dusting powder such as Daktarin powder can be used to prevent athlete’s foot from recurring by sprinkling the treatment into socks and shoes each day. Never use moisturising creams between your toes. This will make them moist, leading to an ideal environment for fungus growth. Dry thoroughly between your toes after washing.
Whelehans have introduced a reduced chiropodist rate of €25 for over 60s only every Tuesday. Normal price is €40. Treatment at this rate is limited to one per visit. The regular chiropody service for adults and children with chiropodist James Pedley is still every Thursday.
Whelehans Pharmacy is located at 38 Pearse Street, Mullingar (opposite the Greville Arms Hotel ). Tel (044 ) 9334591 or see www.whelehans.ie
