Did we ask for your life story? 
1 Like
I’ll join you in laughing at your own joke.
1 Like
Makes me wonder if you have a correct diagnosis. Used properly (not always the case) topical treatments (creams) are usually effective, although recurrence is common. You might suggest a swab is taken? There are a number of non-fungal skin conditions that can mimic ‘athletes foot’ but need very different treatment.
Bruce
1 Like
Hi Bruce,
Thanks for this. I’ve had to manage the topical creams with care given their potential impact on liver and my ongoing liver issues. For example, at present I’ve been asked to refrain from treatment because I’ve full bloods and an abdominal ultrasound coming up and they want to be able to see the liver as is and not perhaps further impacted by a treatment for something else.
I was referred by my GP to dermatology a few years back and they took swabs, concluded it was fungal and opted for a much stronger treatment which, given my vision, Mrs. H. rather unfortunately had to get involved with e.g. filing nails etc. That worked fully and I was fine for a while, possibly because the two years of ill-health leading to my retirement contained next to no exercise. Having very slowly resumed exercise the problem has returned in the same locations i.e. both big toes.
Interestingly I’ve a small fungal infection under my left arm that no treatment has ever treated. It never grows but nor does it shrink or disappear.
I’d be interested to learn what else it could be if only because I’ve no idea and they’ve seemingly never concluded it could be anything else.
I’ll refrain from offering more specific medical advice with my retired status, not least as you obviously have ongoing health issues I am not party to.
I just wanted to see if you or your doctors had thought been thorough, and in fairness it sounds that they have been. The issue is often that even though treatment may clear up the problem (as it did for a while) they have no lasting effect and recurrence is common. Sometimes this is from footwear. The sprays and powders used inside shoes and on insoles etc can be effective at stopping this, but in my experience creams are far better for the actual skin of the foot itself.
Bruce
3 Likes
Thanks Bruce.
Well thanks for the contributions so far. Decided to just work through in the order of responses.
Liked the look of the Falke but can’t currently get them in my size.
Have purchased two pairs of Features and two pairs of Balega. All mostly in white. Couldn’t find enough options for Higherstate to suit my circumstances at present. Have enough other stuff in the wardrobe to get by for now but if I like what I’ve bought then I just buy more… and maybe in different colours.
1 Like
Ah, no need for me to have such things as shin protectors 
1 Like
Thorlo socks. Been wearing them for decades (not the same pair, mind).
1 Like
That must be very frustrating.
Yup, very. All you can do is address stuff as it comes up and get on with your life though.
The Balega arrived today but I’m away shifting the offspring from purpose built student accommodation to slightly damp student house in Sheffield.
Very nearly cancelled the order given the deluge of wholly unnecessary emails which avalanched in after placing my order.
However, lumbar issue raised its ugly head today after I moved a box off a bed for the offspring. Accompanied by quite a nasty cracking noise too so tomorrow when I get home I’ll definitely be in need of 10 minutes on the cross trainer and a 2 mile walk. Have taken one dose of Cocodamol to get me to Sheffield as a car passenger but then skipped a dose and will likely take more at bed time.
As a 73 year old who used to run quite a bit over the years and now walks 5+ miles a day I use Darn Tough ‘Tactical’ full cushion socks.
These full cushion socks are the warmest, most padded Tactical socks. The majority of my walking is on city sidewalks so I have been wearing the tactical socks while using Garment ‘Approach’ shoes for the past several years. I find the combination is quite comfortable.
Good luck finding a combination that works for you.
2 Likes
I use Darn Tough socks with my walking boots - have to say they’re the best socks I’ve ever used 
2 Likes
I run between 20 and 30 km’s a week. When I 1st started running I bought cheap socks.
Several years ago I upped the game and bought some socks made by Stance. They have sweat wicking properties and come with a life time guarantee. Very comfy. The more colourful the better for me.
For Xmas I was given a few pairs of Sundried running socks in white. They show up the dirt quickly. These are also very comfortable
1 Like
Merino wool socks are great at wicking away moisture and are anti bacterial.
3 Likes
Thank you all. The message I’m getting is that there are actually lots of really good options available for me, especially in terms of getting white and wicking. Will see how my first four pairs feel and go from there.
1 Like
I’m humbled that you’ve started with my suggestions. I’ve been running in Balega for many years and still have four pairs in rotation. More recently i’ve added two pairs of Feetures and really like them as well. I hope your choices work out for you.
1 Like
Any suggestions on decent foot sprays?