A parent reports that a child has athlete's foot and has applied triple antibiotic ointment for two days with no improvement. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

A parent reports that a child has athlete's foot and has applied triple antibiotic ointment for two days with no improvement. Which instruction should the nurse provide?

• A. Antibiotics take two weeks to become effective against infections such as athlete's foot.
• B. Stop using the ointment and encourage complete drying of feet and wearing clean socks.
• C. Applying too much ointment can deter its effectiveness. Apply a thin layer to prevent maceration.
• D. Continue using the ointment for a full week, even after the symptoms disappear.

Answer: (B)

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot need antifungal treatment and a dry environment. An antibiotic ointment targets bacteria, not fungus, so it won’t clear a tinea pedis infection. The best instruction is to stop using the antibiotic and focus on drying the feet completely after washing, and wearing clean, breathable socks. Keeping feet dry—especially between the toes—helps reduce the moisture that fungi thrive on and lowers the risk of spread or recurrence. If an antifungal medication is prescribed, use it as directed for the full course, and continue practices that keep feet dry and clean. If symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks of proper antifungal therapy, or if redness, swelling, or oozing develops, follow up with a clinician.

Fungal infections like athlete’s foot need antifungal treatment and a dry environment. An antibiotic ointment targets bacteria, not fungus, so it won’t clear a tinea pedis infection. The best instruction is to stop using the antibiotic and focus on drying the feet completely after washing, and wearing clean, breathable socks. Keeping feet dry—especially between the toes—helps reduce the moisture that fungi thrive on and lowers the risk of spread or recurrence.

If an antifungal medication is prescribed, use it as directed for the full course, and continue practices that keep feet dry and clean. If symptoms persist beyond 1–2 weeks of proper antifungal therapy, or if redness, swelling, or oozing develops, follow up with a clinician.