Question
I've been working out with a private trainer and never realized or knew the proper way of taking care of my feet.  Now I've developed athlete's foot and it's getting worse by the day.  I've been using Lamisil AT but it doesn't seem to be doing anything.  I'm keeping my feet clean and dry and either going barefoot or wearing scandles.  I had heard that soaking the infected area in apple cidar vinegar helps.  I did this and it burned like crazy.  Don't know if I should keep doing it.  Can you suggest anything.  I've been unable to reach my doctor.

Answer
 If the Lamisil is not working, it might not be athlete's foot.  (There are also some types that aren't sensitive to Lamisil - but that is rare).  There are many things that can look like Athlete's foot, but aren't.  The best thing is to go see a podiatrist, and they can determine what it is.

The problem is if it is an excema or contact dermatitis, a steroid cream would make it better.  If it is a bacterial infection, a steroid cream will hide the infection and make it worse - possibly turning it into something serious.  If you use an antibiotic cream - thinking it is a bacterial infection, that may make the other things worse.  

If you have to wait a few days, try an antibiotic cream in the morning, a cortisone cream in the afternoon and a different antifungal at night.  
 IF there are any open cracks, use the antibiotic cream twice a day.
 IF there is redness extending more than an inch or so from the edges of the crack (or if you have any medical problems) you may need an oral antibiotic - but have to have a culture done first.