Medication
Athlete's foot can often be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medications . If OTC medications don't treat your infection, your doctor may prescribe topical or oral prescription-strength antifungal medications. Your doctor may also recommend home treatments to help clear up the infection.
Self-care
- dry your feet after washing them, particularly between your toes – dab them dry rather than rubbing them
- use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly
- take your shoes off when at home
- wear clean socks every day – cotton socks are best
What is athlete's foot and how is it treated?
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that typically appears ... READ FULL ARTICLE Prevention is better than cure. Or, if you want to prevent yourself getting it again, there are a few simply things to do. Firstly, simple hygiene will go a long ...
What is the best home treatment for athletes foot?
Call your provider right away if: Your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, especially if there are red streaks or pain. Athlete's foot symptoms do not go away within 2 to 4 weeks of self-care treatments.
How do you cure athletes foot?
Does athlete's foot really ever go away?
How do you get rid of athlete's foot fast?
Medical treatmentOver the counter (OTC) antifungal creams, ointment, or lotions, such as Clotrimazole, and antifungal powders can be applied to the affected area three times a day.Prescription-strength antifungal lotions, creams, or ointments may be advised by the doctor if OTC products don't help.More items...•
How does treatment for athlete's foot work?
After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective. Another option is clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF). You may need to experiment to find the product and formulation — ointment, gel, cream, lotion, powder or spray — that work for you.
Can athlete's foot be cured?
Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.
How quickly does athlete's foot go away?
Most mild cases of athlete's foot clear up within 2 weeks. But treatment can go for several weeks or longer if the infection is more serious or affects the toenails.
Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have athlete's foot?
You do not have to throw away your shoes if you have athlete's foot unless they were worn without socks, have dirt in them, or you have another skin reaction to the material or color dyes.
What happens if you don't treat athlete's foot?
Although athlete's foot doesn't cause any serious problems in people who are otherwise healthy, it normally doesn't go away on its own. If left untreated, it can spread to a nail and cause a fungal nail infection. The infection can spread to other areas of skin, such as the hands, but that rarely happens.
What is the strongest treatment for athlete's foot?
Best-overall product for athlete's foot Across the board, Lamisil was recommended by almost all the experts we spoke to as the best topical product for treating athlete's foot. Available in cream and gel form, it's a powerful, broad-spectrum antifungal that Maral K.
What kills athlete's foot naturally?
Sea salt is known to have strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it another ideal home remedy for treating athlete's foot. Treating athlete's foot with sea salt involves either soaking your feet in a sea salt bath or making a paste out of sea salt and vinegar and applying it to the feet.
Should I wear socks to bed with athlete's foot?
Wearing socks to bed can help prevent transmission of the fungus. Even if you avoid contact, your partner can still develop athlete's foot if you walk around the house barefoot.
What are the stages of athlete's foot?
The early signs of athlete's foot are patches or fissures (deep breaks or slits), especially between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may turn red, become itchy, and appear moist. Small blisters may spread out across the foot, breaking to expose raw fissures that are painful and may swell.
Why do I keep getting athlete's foot?
Factors that increase your risk of getting athlete's foot include: visiting public places barefoot, especially locker rooms, showers, and swimming pools. sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person. wearing tight, closed-toe shoes.
What does Athletes feet look like?
Inflamed skin that might appear reddish, purplish or grayish, depending on your skin color. Burning or stinging. Blisters. Dry, scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends up the side.
Overview
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal (caused by a fungus) infection. Athlete’s foot is a form of ringworm. Tinea pedis is another name for athlete’s foot. Tinea is another name for ringworm, and pedis means foot or feet. Athlete’s foot causes an itchy, stinging, burning rash on the skin on one or both of your feet.
Diagnosis and Tests
Your healthcare provider can typically diagnose athlete’s foot by examining your feet and reviewing your symptoms.
Management and Treatment
Athlete’s foot rarely goes away on its own. If left untreated, it’s more likely to spread to other parts of your body.
Prevention
Thoroughly wash your feet and the skin between your toes with antibacterial soap.
How to cure athlete's foot?
Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene. Wash and dry your feet (including between the toes) every morning and evening, change socks or stockings daily, and don't wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely before wearing them again.
How long does it take for athlete's foot to go away?
If not treated properly and promptly, athlete's foot can be very stubborn. Even when treated with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment. Most of the time it responds well to these over-the-counter interventions. However, more severe cases may need to be seen by a doctor.
How to prevent foot fungus?
Don't go barefoot in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others are also barefoot. Cut your risk by keeping your feet clean, dry, and powdered with an over-the-counter antifungal foot powder. Other sensible steps: 1 Wear synthetic socks, and shoes that breathe; shoes that keep water out also keep sweat in. 2 Never share shoes, socks, or towels. 3 If you get athlete's foot, wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible. 4 Be doubly cautious if you take an antibiotic. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete's foot. 5 Take your shoes off when you go home and let your feet get exposed to the air.
How to treat a foot infection?
Sprinkle antifungal powder on feet and in your shoes daily . Antifungal creams and sprays are also effective at managing the infection. Continue treatment for one to two weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring. Make sure your feet get plenty of air.
What to do if you can't go barefoot?
If you can't go barefoot or wear sandals, wear synthetic socks which will wick away moisture. Cotton and wool tend to trap the moisture and promote fungal growth. Wear shoes made of a porous material. If not treated properly and promptly, athlete's foot can be very stubborn.
Can you share socks with athletes?
Never share shoes, socks, or towels. If you get athlete's foot, wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible. Be doubly cautious if you take an antibiotic. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
Can you go barefoot in the gym?
Don't go barefoot in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others are also barefoot. Cut your risk by keeping your feet clean, dry, and powdered with an over-the-counter antifungal foot powder. Other sensible steps: Wear synthetic socks, and shoes that breathe; shoes that keep water out also keep sweat in.
How to keep athlete's foot dry?
Some people will use baking soda or light cornstarch to keep the moisture out or powder. You can use moisture-wicking socks or change socks frequently too.”. These methods along with using antifungal powders and creams before and after a long day can be your best defense against athlete’s foot.
What is the best antifungal cream for athlete's foot?
Best Natural: Bioveco Antifungal Cream at Amazon. "Uses ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, calendula, turmeric, and arnica to help fight fungus and soothe itchy, scaly feet. ". Not only can an athlete’s foot be painful, but it’s also just downright annoying.
What is the best liquid for athlete's foot?
Best Overall: Lotrimin Athlete's Foot Liquid Powder Spray. Powders may seem annoying and messy to apply, but used in spray form it can make for a much easier application. This Lotrimin option comes in a spray form, which is great for coating every single crevice of your foot.
Can you use lotrimin for athlete's foot?
This formula can also be used on ringworm breakouts, so it's great to keep in your medicine cabinet. It can be used on children over the age of two, so if your little one is dealing with a bout of athlete's foot, turn to Lotrimin.
Does miconazole nitrate help with athlete's foot?
This formula contains two percent miconazole nitrate, which has been clinically proven to relieve itchy skin and can even be used as initial prevention of Athlete's foot. 1 The best part about powder formulas, in general, is that they can contain active ingredients while working to dry out any moist areas.
Can athlete's foot spread easily?
If you have athlete’s foot something you’ll want to be cognizant of is the fact that the fungus spreads easily . Linda Stein Gold, M.D., Head of Dermatology at Henry Ford Health System in West Bloomfield, Michigan, says that you should be vigilant if you live with someone who has athlete’s foot.
Can you spray your feet for athlete's foot?
While there are a variety of treatments available for athlete's foot, there's going to be a method that works best for you and your specific needs. If you have trouble with mobility and reaching your feet is an issue, a spray may work best for you.
What is the best treatment for athlete's foot?
Talcum powder, corn starch, or baby powder work to treat athlete’s foot by keeping the affected area dry and clean. This makes it difficult for the fungus to thrive and spread by keeping sweat and moisture under control.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that typically starts between the toes. It causes a scaly, itchy rash that may have painful or burning sensations. In some cases, people may also experience ulcers or blisters, which can be very painful. Fortunately, athlete’s foot can be extremely receptive to home treatment.
How to get rid of fungus on feet?
You can apply it directly to the affected area or soak your feet in a footbath of 70 percent rubbing alcohol and 30 percent water for 30 minutes. 6. Garlic.
How to get rid of a foot infection?
on the surface level of the foot, as well as any surface bacteria that could cause an infection. Pour hydrogen peroxide directly onto the affected area. Note that it may sting, and it should bubble, especially if you have open wounds. Do this twice daily until the infection subsides. 3.
How long does it take for garlic to cure athlete's foot?
One older study even found that a derivative of garlic, alone, resulted in a complete cure in 79 percent of participants. after just 7 days. To use garlic to treat athlete’s foot, crush four to five cloves of garlic. Once smashed, rub them over the affected area.
Can athlete's foot be a bacterial infection?
If untreated, athlete’s foot can result in a bacterial infection if skin is broken. This can happen due to scratching or when blisters pop or ulcers become infected. Any type of infection can be very serious and requires prompt treatment.
Does tea tree oil help with athlete's foot?
Tea tree oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, which is part of the reason it’s commonly used to treat many fungal infections (including both ringworm and candidiasis). that applying tea tree oil daily could treat both the symptoms of athlete’s foot and the fungus that causes it within a few weeks.
What is the best over the counter medicine for athlete's foot?
When shopping for over-the-counter remedies for athlete's foot, look for products that contain clotrimazole, econazole, ketoconazole, miconazole, naftifine, oxiconazole, sulconazole, terbinafine, or terconazole.
How do you know if you have athlete's foot?
The early signs of athlete's foot are patches or fissures (deep breaks or slits), especially between the toes. As the infection progresses, the skin may turn red, become itchy, and appear moist. Small blisters may spread out across the foot, breaking to expose raw fissures that are painful and may swell. The area between the toes is most often ...
How to treat a white rash on the toes?
If the infection is mild (scaly white patches of skin or fissures, but no redness or itching), pay special attention to foot hygiene. Wash your feet regularly, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply an antifungal cream to the affected area, and dust your socks and shoes with antifungal powder.
What is foot powder?
Foot powders also can be protective. Apart from any antifungal substances they might contain, they work to reduce friction between toes and between the foot and sock. Less friction means less sweat and a drier, less fungus-friendly environment.
Can athlete's foot breed in locker rooms?
Athlete's foot breeds in locker rooms, swimming pool changing areas, or any place that combines dampness and a lot of foot traffic . I mproperly cleaned instruments used in a pedicure (either at a commercial salon or at home) can also lead to infection.
Can you wear socks and shoes barefoot?
If going barefoot is the problem, then wearing socks and shoes would seem to be the solution. But socks and shoes largely contribute to the proliferation of athlete's foot once you have it: They create an ideal environment for fungi-dark, damp, and warm. Give your feet a chance to breathe.
How long does it take to get rid of athlete's foot?
Treatment for athlete's foot should generally be continued for four weeks or at least one week after all of the skin symptoms have cleared.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is a term given to almost any inflammatory skin disease that affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. It is usually scaly and maybe a red, raw-appearing eruption with weeping and oozing with small blisters. It affects the feet of athletes and non-athletes alike.
How does athlete's foot spread?
The infection spreads by direct contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. As the infection spreads, it may affect the soles of the feet or the toenails. Read about treatment of athlete's foot ». The medical name for fungal athlete's foot is tinea pedis.
How to diagnose athlete's foot?
The most reliable way to diagnose athlete’s foot is to correctly identify its cause. Fungal athlete's foot is relatively straightforward to diagnose and treat. Visualization of the fungus in skin scrapings removed from the affected areas of the feet is a painless and cost-effective method for diagnosis.
How does diabetes affect the foot?
Diabetes related foot problems can affect your health with two problems: diabetic neuropathy, where diabetes affects the nerves, and peripheral vascular disease, where diabetes affects the flow of blood. Common foot problems for people with diabetes include athlete's foot, fungal infection of nails, calluses, corns, blisters, bunions, dry skin, foot ulcers, hammertoes, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
What causes athlete's foot to itch?
When caused by a fungus, an athlete's foot may spread to the palms, groin, and body. Fungal infections of the feet are contagious and can be spread from person to person or by walking on contaminated floors.
What does it mean when your feet are dry?
Many may think they simply have dry skin on the soles of their feet. Common symptoms of an athlete's foot typically include. various degrees of itching, stinging, and. burning. The skin may frequently peel, and in particularly severe cases, there may be some cracking, fissuring, pain, and itching in the toe webs.
What is the best treatment for athlete's foot?
Recommendations for treatment of athlete’s foot for milder cases can include using an antifungal product like an over-the-counter cream, powder, ointment, or spray. Your doctor may prescribe something stronger if the infection doesn’t respond to over-the-counter treatments.
What is athlete foot?
Walking barefoot in a public area. Sharing linens, rugs, or mats with someone with a fungal infection. Athlete’s foot is also related to other fungal infections like jock itch or ringworm. The same fungus causes each of those infections.
How to keep your toes dry?
Keep your feet and toes dry: Try to go barefoot as much as possible. This allows air to circulate between your toes and keep them dry. Make sure to dry the area between your toes thoroughly after taking a shower or bath. Change your socks regularly: Avoid wearing the same socks more than once.
How to get rid of a virus on your toes?
Consider washing your socks in bleach to kill any remaining bacteria. Keep your toenails clipped: Cut your toenails and make sure you keep them clean, so the virus doesn’t have a place to hide before infecting others. Alternate your shoes: Try not to wear the same pair of shoes for consecutive days.
How to stop athlete's foot from itching?
Avoid scratching at your rash: Constantly picking at your rash increases the chances that you will spread athlete’s foot to other parts of your body. Soaking your feet in cool water can provide relief from any itching.
When to see a doctor for a rash on the foot?
When to See a Doctor. You may wish to see a doctor if you find yourself with a rash on your foot that does not clear up after two weeks or respond to over-the-counter antifungal products. People with diabetes should make their doctor aware of any persistent infection on their feet.
How do you know if you have athlete's foot?
Some of the most common symptoms of athlete’s foot are: The appearance of a scaly red rash. Itching. Blisters or ulcers. Chronic dryness. Scaling. Some people end up developing other, less common complications, such as: Moist, peeling skin. A white, greenish, or yellowish discoloration.
What are the risk factors for athlete's foot?
You are at higher risk of athlete's foot if you: Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection. Walk barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths and showers.
Why do athletes get foot itch?
Causes. Athlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch . Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
What causes a rash on the bottom of the foot?
It can cause a scaly rash that may itch, sting or burn. Moccasin-type athlete's foot can cause cracking, peeling or excessive dryness on the bottoms or sides of the feet. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes.
What causes a rash on the toes?
Athlete's foot usually causes a scaly red rash. The rash typically begins in between the toes. Itching is often the worst right after you take off your shoes and socks.
Can you treat athlete's foot with a ringworm?
Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal medications, but the infection often recurs. Prescription medications also are available.
Can athlete's foot spread to other parts of the body?
Your athlete's foot infection can spread to other parts of your body, including: Your hand. People who scratch or pick at the infected parts of their feet may develop a similar infection in one of their hands . Your nails.
Can athlete's foot cause eczema?
The moccasin variety of athlete's foot causes chronic dryness and scaling on the soles that extends up the side of the foot. It can be mistaken for eczema or dry skin. The infection can affect one or both feet and can spread to your hand — especially if you scratch or pick at the infected parts of your feet.