Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions about athlete’s foot and jock itch.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to your questions about athlete’s foot and jock itch.
If you cannot find an answer to your question, contact us.
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete's foot is an infection, also called tinea pedis, caused when various types of fungus invade the skin. It usually occurs between the toes but can also occur on the bottom and sides of the feet, and it is contagious. It can spread to other parts of the body on contact, and can cause jock itch. Learn more about athlete’s foot.
How did I get athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is most commonly contracted by coming into contact with an infected person or an object/surface that has a fungus on it. Walking barefoot in locker rooms, public pools, or shower areas may increase the risk of contracting athlete's foot.
People are most susceptible to athlete's foot when their feet are sweating or lack proper ventilation. Shoes create the ideal environment for fungus growth, as they provide a warm and moist environment.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot can present as any one or a combination of these symptoms:
- Itching
- Burning
- Scaling
- Inflammation
- Cracking
- Discomfort
See what athlete's foot looks like.
How can I treat athlete's foot?
Tinactin® offers a full line of products to treat athlete's foot. Treatment directions vary by product. Follow directions on the package.
How can I help prevent athlete's foot?
- Use Tinactin® athlete's foot products as directed for preventing athlete's foot.
- Wash feet daily with soap.
- Keep feet dry, including between the toes.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas.
- Wear shoes, flip-flops or sandals in locker rooms or common shower areas.
- Use powder to wick out moisture and reduce perspiration.
- Wear well-fitting, ventilated shoes.
- Alternate your shoes to allow for air drying.
- Wear socks that keep your feet dry.
- Change shoes and socks each day or more often when they get wet.
- Do not share shoes or towels with others.
How does Tinactin® help prevent athlete's foot?
Tinactin® products contain tolnaftate, a highly active fungicidal agent. Clinical studies have shown that the active ingredient in Tinactin is effective in preventing athlete’s foot when used once or twice daily.
Can I get athlete's foot if I've already had it before?
Yes, you can get athlete's foot even if you've had it before. Early treatment can result in a faster cure.
How does Tinactin® cure athlete's foot?
The active ingredient in Tinactin® (tolnaftate) prevents fungus development. Symptoms like itching and burning normally resolve quickly upon treatment. As the fungus is eliminated, the redness will also improve. Use as directed to achieve a complete cure and minimize the risk of a new outbreak.
How long should I treat my athlete's foot?
To treat athlete's foot, apply a Tinactin® athlete's foot product twice a day for four weeks. Disappearing symptoms does not imply that the condition is cured. If the fungus hasn't been killed, it is likely to reappear. Following label directions for use will minimize risk of a new outbreak.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Athlete's foot is highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body.
What form of athlete's foot treatment is best?
Tinactin® products are available in a variety of forms (cream, spray and powder). All available forms of Tinactin® athlete’s foot products are equally effective when used as directed.
Our creams contain moisturizers and can be beneficial to dry areas. They are perfect for bedtime application since they adhere well to the skin and do not easily rub off.
Tinactin® sprays provide a quick, convenient, no-touch application. Our deodorant powder spray fights tough odors.
Powders absorb moisture and are useful in treating infections that cover large areas of the body.
Where can I find additional information about athlete's foot?
Please find links to additional information below.
What is jock itch?
Jock itch, also called tinea cruris, is a highly contagious skin infection caused by various types of fungus, similar to those that cause athlete's foot. It infects the surrounding areas of the groin and inner thighs. Learn more about jock itch.
How did I get jock itch?
- Jock itch is most commonly contracted by coming into contact with clothing or towels contaminated with the fungus. The groin area provides a warm and humid environment, which encourages fungus growth.
- Jock itch may also be caused by the spread of athlete's foot fungus to the groin area.
- Excessive perspiration can also encourage fungus growth.
What are the symptoms of jock itch?
Jock itch can present as any one or a combination of the following symptoms:
- Itching
- Burning
- Scaling
- Chafing
- Discomfort
- Flat, red rash on inner thigh
See what jock itch looks like.
How can I treat jock itch?
Tinactin® offers a line of products to treat jock itch. Treatment directions vary by product. Follow directions on the package.
How can I help prevent jock itch?
- Keep your body clean, dry and cool.
- Shower immediately after athletic activities.
- Wear loose clothing whenever possible.
- Do not share clothing or towels with others.
- Wash clothing and towels frequently.
Can I get jock itch if I've already had it before?
Yes; you can get jock itch even if you've had it before. Early treatment can result in a faster cure.
How long should I treat my jock itch condition?
To treat jock itch, apply a Tinactin® jock itch product twice a day for two weeks. Disappearing symptoms does not imply that the condition is cured. If the fungus hasn't been killed, it is likely to reappear. Following label directions for use will minimize the risk of a new outbreak.
Is jock itch contagious?
Jock itch is a highly contagious skin infection. It can spread to other parts of the body.
What form of jock itch treatment is best?
All available forms of Tinactin® jock itch products are equally effective when used as directed.
Our creams contain moisturizers and can be beneficial to dry areas. They are perfect for bedtime application since they adhere well to the skin and do not easily rub off.
Tinactin® sprays provide a quick, convenient, no-touch application. Our deodorant powder spray fights tough odors.
Our powders help absorb perspiration in the groin area and keep it dry.
Can I get jock itch through sexual contact?
Since jock itch can spread through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, sexual activity with an infected person may increase the risk of contracting jock itch.
Where can I find additional information about jock itch?
Please find links to additional information below.