Q:

I believe I have interdigital tinea pedis on one foot.  I've gotten an OTC cream and drying powder, but haven't started treating it yet.  I'm trying to decide if athlete's foot almost always needs to be treated to go away, or if it can clear up on its own.  The reason I ask is because the peeling skin and redness have gone away, so it looks normal now compared to before.  However, I think sometimes I feel a warming or very mild burning sensation.  Not sure if I am imagining it, or if it is something that is probably still there until I follow a treatment regimen.

 

A:

If the redness, cracking and peeling skin has resolved, it likely does not need treatment.  If you see it reappearing, don't hesitate to use the cream.

~The Doc