Treatment FAQ

what is the most effective treatment for athlete's foot

by Penelope Rippin Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Use an antifungal product.
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).

What is the strongest treatment 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.Jul 22, 2021

What is the fastest way to cure athlete's foot?

Like hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol can help kill off the fungus that's on the surface level of the skin. 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.

What kills severe athlete's foot fast?

Here are five natural home remedies that can treat athlete's foot.
  • Apply tea tree oil. Because tea tree oil has antifungal properties, it may help treat athlete's foot. ...
  • Consider a tea foot bath. ...
  • Sprinkle cornstarch on your toes. ...
  • Disinfect your shoes. ...
  • Step up your foot hygiene.
Nov 13, 2020

How do you get rid of athlete's foot permanently?

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.Jan 16, 2022

What kills athlete's foot naturally?

Many natural or home remedies can be helpful in killing the fungus that causes athlete's foot.
  1. Tea tree oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) Share on Pinterest Studies suggest that tea tree oil may help to kill fungi. ...
  2. Garlic. ...
  3. Hydrogen peroxide with iodine. ...
  4. Hair dryer and talcum powder. ...
  5. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)

Does vinegar help athletes foot?

For athlete's foot

Athlete's foot often burns and itches. For mild forms of this condition, a vinegar soak might work well. The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people who have toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides.

Can hydrogen peroxide cure athlete's foot?

It may sound like a dangerous chemical, but hydrogen peroxide is an effective home remedy for treating athlete's foot. The chemical works by killing all surface bacteria and funguses on the skin.Jan 25, 2021

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.

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.Mar 19, 2021

What happens when you leave Athlete's foot untreated?

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. Very rarely, and only in severe cases of athlete's foot, it can also lead to a bacterial infection.Jan 14, 2015

Why does my athlete's foot always come back?

There you have it: the two main reasons your fungal infections keep returning. You stop using your medications too soon. So that the topical treatments don't have the chance to fully stamp out the fungal infection. You're choosing the wrong athlete's foot medication.

Will athlete's foot ever go away?

“One of the most common misconceptions about athlete's foot is that people think that it will go away on its own,” explained Dr. D'Angelantonio. Unfortunately, athlete's foot does not usually heal on its own. If left untreated, large, painful fissures can also develop.Oct 9, 2018

How to treat athlete's foot?

These tips can help you ease the symptoms of athlete's foot or avoid a recurrence: 1 Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you're home. Dry between your toes after a bath or shower. 2 Change socks regularly. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3 Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber. 4 Alternate pairs of shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day so that you give your shoes time to dry after each use. 5 Protect your feet in public places. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and lockers rooms. 6 Treat your feet. Use OTC antifungal product as directed daily. For example, creams may be applied to dry feet twice a day and used for a week even after the rash is gone. 7 Try not to scratch the rash. You can try soothing your itchy feet by soaking them in cool water. 8 Don't share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.

How to get rid of a swollen foot?

Wear light, well-ventilated shoes. Avoid shoes made of synthetic material, such as vinyl or rubber. Alternate pairs of shoes. Don't wear the same pair every day so that you give your shoes time to dry after each use.

How to get rid of itchy feet?

For example, creams may be applied to dry feet twice a day and used for a week even after the rash is gone. Try not to scratch the rash. You can try soothing your itchy feet by soaking them in cool water. Don't share shoes. Sharing risks spreading a fungal infection.

What is the best treatment 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. Skelsey — the director of the Dermatologic Surgery Center of Washington — says is helpful because it does double duty in killing fungus and stopping its growth. “It is well-absorbed into the outer layer of the skin, which is where athlete’s foot lives. A cream formulation is good for someone with dry skin, whereas the gel or spray is preferable for anyone whose feet perspire a lot.” Podiatrist Amnon Barnea, owner of Walk NYC Podiatry, adds, “ I usually advise patients to wash their feet with an antibacterial soap and then dry their feet well before applying the cream.”

What is athlete's foot?

Its technical name is tinea pedis — and athlete’s foot is actually a fungal infection, resulting in a sometimes red rash on the feet and in between toes, according to dermatologist Dr. Michele Green. “Often, but not always, it itches,” says Dr. Bruce Pinker, a board-certified podiatrist and foot surgeon.

How to get rid of athlete's foot infection?

Dr. McGuire says that something as simple as soaking your feet in a solution of epsom salt, vinegar and water can go a long way toward soothing, if not resolving, an athlete's foot infection. If nothing else, this approach won't do any harm and will likely feel pleasant on your itchy feet.

What is the best foot spray for athlete's foot?

Another excellent botanical option is the Tea Tree Oil Foot Spray from Earth Therapeutics. Tea tree oil, the main ingredient in this product, is another effective, plant-derived treatment for athlete's foot. Some of the supplementary ingredients also offer antifungal benefits, including chamomile and parsley.

What is athlete's foot?

00:29. Usually marked by a scaly, itchy, flaky rash, athlete's foot is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of organisms that thrive in damp, warm environments (read: sweaty socks and shoes ), per the Mayo Clinic.

Is athlete's foot a fungal infection?

Usually marked by a scaly, itchy, flaky rash, athlete's foot is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of organisms that thrive in damp, warm environments (read: sweaty socks and shoes ), per the Mayo Clinic. Luckily, as one of the most common foot infections, athlete's foot is relatively easy to treat using over-the-counter products.

Is Lamisil a powder or cream?

On the other hand, if your skin is on the drier side, you might be more comfortable using a cream instead of a powder, Dr. McGuire says. Lamisil AT Antifungal Cream's non-greasy formula contains terbinafine hydrochloride, another topical agent that fights off fungus and stops more from developing.

Where is Sara Coughlin?

Sara Coughlin is a writer living in Brooklyn, New York , covering health, wellness, and lifestyle trends. LIVESTRONG.com may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. The best athlete's foot treatments have tried-and-true active ingredients that fight fungus and nix the itch.

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.

Can athlete's foot be treated at home?

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. Here are 10 home treatments that are known to be effective. 1.

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 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.

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.

Can garlic be used for athlete's foot?

Garlic may have a strong scent, but it can be an effective topical treatment for athlete’s foot. One older study even found that a derivative of garlic, alone, resulted in a complete cure in 79 percent of participants#N#Trusted Source#N#after just 7 days.

Does Vicks Vaporub help with athlete's foot?

Vicks VapoRub. Not only can Vicks VapoRub reduce symptoms from a bad cough, it can help treat athlete’s foot. This may be because of its use of eucalyptus oil and menthol, both of which have antifungal properties. Rub Vicks on the affected area every night, massaging it into the foot.

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Overview

  • Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tightfitting shoes.Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include a scaly rash that usually causes itching, stinging and burning. Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, to…
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Prevention

  • Be sure that you dry thoroughly between your toes after you shower or bathe. If you have difficulty bending over to do so, try using a hairdryer to ensure you are getting that area dry. When dealing with her athlete's foot, when it is bad, dry is good... If you shower at a gym, locker room, or any other facility used by multiple people, wear a pair of athletic sandals in the shower. You should a…
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  • These tips can help you avoid athlete's foot or ease the symptoms if infection occurs: 1. Keep your feet dry, especially between your toes. Go barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you're home. Dry between your toes after a bath or shower. 2. Change socks regularly. If your feet get very sweaty, change your socks twice a day. 3. Wear light, well-ventilate…
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  • Athlete's foot that's soggy, inflamed, and foul-smelling requires quick medical attention. If the foot is inflamed and your doctor has confirmed that there's a bacterial infection, the infection and inflammation must first be treated before antifungals are used.Topical antifungals (creams, solutions, gel, and lotions), either over-the-counter or prescription, are usually effective for unco…
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  • Preventative measures after successful treatment involves the use of both medicated powders and lifestyle changes. 1. Medicated powders can help the area dry if sweaty feet is a problem and it has anti-fungal agents that prevent the fungi from infecting the skin of the feet. 2. The feet should be kept dry and damp footwear (socks and shoes) should not be worn. In addition socks …
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Treatment

  • Athlete's foot can be a frustrating and annoying problem. This condition is also known as tinea pedis and is caused by a fungus that lives in the warm, moist crevices of the feet and toes. A few simple treatment measures can usually solve the problem of athlete's foot. The secret to any successful treatment is keeping the foot clean and dry. This can be difficult, and it may Involve s…
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  • If your athlete's foot is mild, your doctor may suggest using an over-the-counter antifungal ointment, cream, powder or spray.If your athlete's foot doesn't respond, you may need a prescription-strength medication to apply to your feet. Severe infections may require antifungal pills that you take by mouth.
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • Over-the-counter antifungal creams are sufficient for treating most cases of athlete's foot. Apply them as directed to the toes and foot. Common brands include clotrimazole (Lotrimin) and terbinafine (Lamasil) (Lamasil). If you are unsure of your diagnosis and/or you plan to visit a physician within the next month, the application of 1% hydrocortisone cream purchased over th…
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  • Doctors don't agree on exactly how athlete's foot is spread, but most believe it's passed by direct contact with an infected person or with a contaminated surface, such as the floor of a shower stall. But the real determinants of whether or not you'll get the infection are how susceptible you are and how dry you keep your feet. If you have contracted athlete's foot, don't despair. You can t…
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Symptoms

  • A simple fungal infection such as athlete's foot can become \"super-infected\" with bacteria. If this should happen, the rash will become increasingly painful and red. Your foot may become swollen, and you may develop blisters and even open sores in the infected area. These are indications that you may need oral antibiotics and will need to call your doctor. If you develop severe pain, redne…
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  • Most cases of athlete's foot cause only bothersome redness, itching, flaking, and scaling on the soles of the feet and between the toes. In severe cases, however, blisters form on the soles of the feet; fissures, or cracks, that weep fluid can also open between the toes. These fissures can cause a stinging pain and are vulnerable to secondary infection. When the infection involves the …
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  • 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.Some types of athlete's foot feature blisters or ulcers. 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 even …
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  • Athlete's foot usually forms between the fourth and fifth (smallest) toes or third and fourth toes, producing skin cracking, white and soggy toes, scaling, and itchiness. The infection can spread to the soles of the feet. It's made worse by sweaty feet and wearing tight socks or shoes that stay in moisture. If a bacterial infection sets in on top of it, the skin will ooze, burn, and smell.Moccasin …
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Causes

  • Dermatitis affecting the foot can be caused by contact allergens, irritants, sweat and rash (intertrigo), poorly fitting shoes, psoriasis, and interdigital bacterial toe web infections, and fungal infections.
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Blame the advertising man who misnamed it in the 1930s, but athlete's foot has nothing to do with athletes. It's a fungal infection of the feet. Also known as tinea pedis, or \"ringworm of the feet,\" it has nothing to do with worms either. The Trichophyton fungus that causes the redness, itching, cracking, and scaling of ath…
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  • 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.
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  • Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. The fungi that infect human feet live on the skin, specifically on skin proteins called keratin. These fungi thrive in hot, tropical climates and are recent imports to North America and Europe, brought in by travellers. Wearing tight, non-breathing footwear allows the fungi to flourish and cause athlete's foot. The fungal organisms easily sprea…
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Diagnosis

  • In some cases, your doctor may be able to diagnose athlete's foot simply by looking at it. To help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions, your doctor might take a skin scraping or skin sample from your foot for testing in a lab.
See more on mayoclinic.org
  • By examining the feet for scaling, itchiness, and strong foot odour, doctors can easily diagnose athlete's foot. Your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and exclude other possible skin conditions such as eczema, ringworm, and psoriasis by taking a scraping of lesions from the feet and sending it to the lab for testing.
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  • Your podiatrist will determine if a fungus is the cause of the problem. If it is, a specific treatment plan, including the prescription of antifungal medication, applied topically or taken by mouth, may usually be suggested. Such a treatment appears to provide better resolution of the problem when the patient follows the course of treatment prescribed by the podiatrist; if it's shortened, failure o…
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Complications

  • Your athlete's foot infection can spread to other parts of your body, including: 1. Your hand. People who scratch or pick at the infected parts of their feet may develop a similar infection in one of their hands. 2. Your nails. The fungi associated with athlete's foot can also infect your toenails, a location that tends to be more resistant to treatment. 3. Your groin. Jock itch is often …
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Prognosis

  • It is unlikely that athlete's foot would ever become severe enough that a trip to a hospital's emergency department is required. However, if you have diabetes or any other type of illness that will make it hard for your body to fight off an infection, athlete's foot may become a more serious skin problem.
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Preparing For Your Appointment

  • Your primary care doctor or a skin specialist (dermatologist) can diagnose athlete's foot. You don't need any special preparations for an appointment to diagnose athlete's foot.
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Medical Uses

  • Over-the-counter creams work well to help in the treatment of athlete's foot. Usually, these over-the-counter products, when used properly, are sufficient in athlete's foot treatment. Prescription treatments are usually not needed. Some of the most popular brand names include Lamisil and Lotrimin. These preparations in years past required a prescription, but now you can buy and use …
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  • Naftifine gel or cream 2% is indicated for interdigital tinea pedis in adults and adolescents. A study using 2% gel for interdigital-type tinea pedis demonstrated greater improvement from baseline for complete cure (P = .001), mycological cure (P<.0001), and treatment effectiveness (P<.0001) as early as 2 weeks when compared with vehicle; however the highest response rates …
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