Athlete’s foot treatment in Wrocław
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet, usually between the toes and on the soles, causing itching, scaling and cracking. It often comes back and spreads to the nails, so it is worth confirming the diagnosis and completing treatment. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław treatment is led by dermatologist Katarzyna Cygan, MD, PhD.
Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet, usually between the toes and on the soles, causing itching, scaling and cracking. It often comes back and spreads to the nails, so it is worth confirming the diagnosis and completing treatment. At Luna Clinic in Wrocław treatment is led by dermatologist Katarzyna Cygan, MD, PhD.
Indications
Athlete’s foot often manifests as persistent itching and redness of the skin between the toes. These lesions are an indication to start antifungal treatment in order to prevent the infection from spreading further to other areas of the feet.
Visible cracks, callus formation or flaking of the skin on the soles of the feet indicate an advanced fungal infection. Treatment, both topical and systemic, is necessary to reduce the symptoms and restore a healthy appearance to the skin.
Maceration of the skin between the toes, manifested by moist, white patches, is a typical indication for treating interdigital mycosis. Such lesions require quick dermatological intervention to avoid bacterial superinfections.
A persistent, unpleasant foot odour, often accompanying a fungal infection, is an indication for a dermatological consultation. Treatment allows the cause of the problem to be eliminated and the comfort of everyday functioning to be restored.
Diagnoza
The dermatologist assesses the skin lesions and may order mycological tests to confirm the type of infection.
Leczenie farmakologiczne
The use of topical antifungal medications (e.g. creams, ointments, sprays) or, in more severe cases, oral medications.
Zapobieganie nawrotom
Educating the patient in proper hygiene, the choice of footwear and foot-skin care, to reduce the risk of re-infection.
Frequently asked questions
How to recognise athlete’s foot?
Typical symptoms are itching, redness and flaking of the skin between the toes, cracks, an unpleasant odour and white, macerated epidermis. The diagnosis is confirmed by a dermatologist, sometimes with a mycological test.
Can athlete’s foot go away on its own?
No - untreated it usually spreads, affecting the soles, nails and other areas of the body, and also increases the risk of bacterial superinfections. The earlier treatment is started, the shorter it is.
How is athlete’s foot treated?
For limited lesions we use antifungal medications topically (creams, ointments), and for extensive or recurrent forms - oral therapy. The treatment is always selected by the doctor after assessing the lesions.
How long does treatment of athlete’s foot take?
Topical treatment usually lasts 2-6 weeks; oral therapy can be longer. It is important not to interrupt the treatment after the symptoms subside - stopping the medications too early is the main cause of recurrences.
Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes - you can get infected at the swimming pool, sauna, gym, a hotel bathroom, or through shared towels and footwear. During treatment you should use a separate towel and wash socks at a minimum of 60°C.
Can you go to the swimming pool during treatment?
Until the active lesions subside, it is better to avoid the swimming pool and sauna - both because of the risk of infecting others and because the moist environment favours fungi.
Why does athlete's foot recur?
Most often through an unfinished course of treatment, undisinfected footwear, a moist environment (sweat, tight shoes) and untreated nail fungus, which is a reservoir of infection.
Is athlete’s foot treated together with nail fungus?
Yes - if the nails are also affected, the therapy must cover both areas, otherwise the infection will recur. Nail treatment takes longer, usually several months.
How to disinfect shoes and prevent re-infection?
Use antifungal sprays or powders for footwear, replace the insoles, wear breathable shoes and cotton socks, and after bathing thoroughly dry the spaces between the toes.
When is a mycological test needed?
When the picture of the lesions is atypical, treatment brings no improvement or a long oral therapy is planned. The test confirms the presence of fungus and allows an effective drug to be selected.
Do home remedies for fungus work?
Soaking the feet in vinegar or baking soda does not remove the infection and delays proper treatment. Only antifungal medications are effective - home methods can only support hygiene.
When to see a dermatologist for athlete’s foot?
If the symptoms persist despite a week of self-treatment with pharmacy products, the lesions are painful, weeping or involve the nails - book a dermatological consultation at Luna Clinic in Wrocław.
Athlete’s foot treatment in Wrocław: how much does it cost?
Athlete’s foot treatment is quoted individually; a dermatology consultation costs PLN 250.
Contraindications
A consultation has no significant contraindications. Any limitations concern selected treatment methods (e.g. laser vs. a tan, isotretinoin vs. pregnancy) - we will discuss them once a diagnosis is established.
How to prepare?
It is worth bringing to the visit:
- a list of medications and supplements taken
- existing documentation and test results
- a list of questions - nothing should slip your mind
- for skin lesions: do not cover them with make-up or irritate them before the visit
How does the procedure go?
We plan the treatment after a thorough skin assessment (with dermatoscopy if needed).
Recovery and recommendations
Diagnostic visits require no recovery. For treatments (e.g. laser) you will receive brief recommendations: sun protection, gentle care and avoiding high temperatures for a few days.
Effects - when and for how long?
Effect: depends on the condition and the therapy plan.
Katarzyna Cygan, MD, PhD
An experienced dermatologist and venereologist, a graduate of Wrocław Medical University. She diagnoses and treats skin diseases in patients of all ages - from dermatoscopic assessment of moles to laser therapy, microneedling radiofrequency and regenerative therapies with platelet-rich plasma. She combines dermatological and aesthetic knowledge, caring for skin that is healthy, young and natural.
Take the first step
Book a consultation - an honest conversation about expectations, possibilities and the treatment plan.
Athlete’s foot treatment: price and consultation
Athlete’s foot treatment is quoted individually at Luna Clinic - it depends on the extent of the infection, whether the nails are affected and whether fungal testing is needed. We start with a dermatology consultation (PLN 250).
How to book
Call +48 666 850 666 (Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:00) or send the consultation form. All prices: Luna Clinic price list.
Where we are
Luna Clinic, ul. Władysława Syrokomli 46, 51-141 Wrocław, Poland - in the Karłowice area of the Psie Pole district. There is parking for patients by the clinic. Directions and map