Athlete’s Foot Treatment, Medications, Creams, & Sprays

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Treatments for Athlete’s Foot?
• Athlete’s Foot Medicine
• Hygiene for Athlete’s Foot
• Athlete’s Foot Natural Remedies
•  Can I Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.  Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection, so the way to get rid of it is to stop the fungus from growing.

If it’s not treated properly and promptly, athlete’s foot can be very stubborn. Even when you treat it with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment.

More serious cases may need to be seen by a doctor.

Treatments for athlete’s foot include over-the-counter antifungal medications and good hygiene. Photo Credit: russaquarius / Getty Images

There are many types of over-the-counter antifungal powders, creams, gels, lotions, and sprays. You might have to try a few before you find one that works best for you.

Follow the instructions on the label of the product you buy. Generally, you apply them every day after you wash and dry your feet.  Continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring.

If the itchy rash on your feet doesn’t clear up after a couple of weeks, see your doctor. They can recommend a prescription cream or antifungal pills.

In addition to treatment, good foot hygiene is important when you have athlete’s foot.  Wash and dry your feet (including between the toes) every morning and evening. And make sure your feet get plenty of air. If you can’t go barefoot or wear sandals, wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture. Cotton tends to trap the moisture and promote fungal growth. 

Also:

• Wear shoes made of a porous material.
• Change socks or stockings daily.
• Don’t wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely before wearing them again.  
• Wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible.

Many people have their own ways to deal with athlete’s foot at home. There’s not much scientific research on how well these remedies work, but some have shown promise.

Tea tree oil. This oil comes from the leaves of a tree that grows in Australia. Because it can kill some types of bacteria and fungus, people have used it as a home remedy for many years.

When rubbed into your skin twice a day, tea tree oil may be able to reduce the itching, scaling, swelling, and burning of athlete’s foot. But it can take up to a month to see progress. And it doesn’t work for everyone.

Tea tree oil can cause a skin rash or trigger allergies. So talk with your doctor before you try it. They can suggest a tea tree product for you to try or explain how to dilute the oil to avoid side effects.

Never take tea tree oil by mouth since it can be toxic.

Bitter orange. This fruit has been used for years in Chinese medicine and by people who live in the Amazon rainforest.

Bitter orange oil is a natural fungus fighter. Besides athlete’s foot, it may help to clear up ringworm and jock itch.

One study found that when people applied a watered-down form of bitter orange oil to their feet three times a day, the fungus cleared up after a week or two.

Bitter orange can inflame your skin if you use it in its pure form. It can also make you more likely to get a sunburn, so be sure to protect your skin from the sun if you use it.

Ajoene from garlic. Ajoene is a chemical found in garlic that may ease symptoms of athlete’s foot. You can take it by mouth as an antifungal pill. You can also find it in gel form.

In one study, people who applied ajoene to their feet once a day saw their athlete’s foot symptoms go away after a week. This method might also help keep athlete’s foot from coming back.

Sunflower oil. Made from the pressed seeds of sunflowers, this oil has long been said to fight germs. Although athlete’s foot is not a germ, a brand called Oleozon, which contains ozone (another germ-killer), has been shown to get rid of athlete’s foot when applied to the feet. It’s unclear whether other brands of sunflower oil might work as well, but it may be worth trying.

Green tea. Nutrients in green tea called polyphenols have antifungal powers. Soak your feet in lukewarm green tea and you may notice less peeling and redness. 

But this method won’t work quickly. You may have to soak your feet every day for 3 months. And more studies are needed to prove that green tea can get rid of the fungus, not just make your feet feel and look better.

Sosa. People in rural parts of Mexico use leaves of the Solanum chrysotrichum plant, also called giant devil’s fig. Studies show that a cream made from an extract of this shrubby plant works as an antifungal for athlete’s foot. It could also prevent it from coming back.

But while studies show that sosa is safe to put on your skin, it may be hard to find.

Vinegar. Some people believe that soaking your feet in a mixture of water and vinegar will get rid of athlete’s foot. While a vinegar soak won’t do your feet any harm, there’s not enough research to prove it will do much good, either.

Athlete’s foot is contagious. So don’t go barefoot in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others have walked with bare feet.  And since moisture helps the fungus grow, cut your risk by keeping your feet clean and dry.

 Other sensible steps:

• Take your shoes off when you go home and let your feet be exposed to the air.
• Never share shoes, socks, or towels.
• Be doubly cautious if you take an antibiotic for another condition. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

Top Picks

Athlete’s Foot Treatment, Medications, Creams, & Sprays

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• What Are the Treatments for Athlete’s Foot?
• Athlete’s Foot Medicine
• Hygiene for Athlete’s Foot
• Athlete’s Foot Natural Remedies
•  Can I Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.   Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal infection, so the way to get rid of it is to stop the fungus from growing.

If it’s not treated properly and promptly, athlete’s foot can be very stubborn. Even when you treat it with antifungal drugs, the infection may take several weeks to disappear and may come back after treatment.

More serious cases may need to be seen by a doctor.

Treatments for athlete’s foot include over-the-counter antifungal medications and good hygiene. Photo Credit: russaquarius / Getty Images

There are many types of over-the-counter antifungal powders, creams, gels, lotions, and sprays. You might have to try a few before you find one that works best for you.

Follow the instructions on the label of the product you buy. Generally, you apply them every day after you wash and dry your feet.  Continue treatment for 1-2 weeks after the infection has cleared to prevent it from recurring.

If the itchy rash on your feet doesn’t clear up after a couple of weeks, see your doctor. They can recommend a prescription cream or antifungal pills.

In addition to treatment, good foot hygiene is important when you have athlete’s foot.  Wash and dry your feet (including between the toes) every morning and evening. And make sure your feet get plenty of air. If you can’t go barefoot or wear sandals, wear synthetic socks that wick away moisture. Cotton tends to trap the moisture and promote fungal growth. 

Also:

• Wear shoes made of a porous material.
• Change socks or stockings daily.
• Don’t wear the same shoes day after day to allow them time to dry completely before wearing them again. 
• Wash your socks and towels in the hottest water possible.

Many people have their own ways to deal with athlete’s foot at home. There’s not much scientific research on how well these remedies work, but some have shown promise.

Tea tree oil.  This oil comes from the leaves of a tree that grows in Australia. Because it can kill some types of bacteria and fungus, people have used it as a home remedy for many years.

When rubbed into your skin twice a day, tea tree oil may be able to reduce the itching, scaling, swelling, and burning of athlete’s foot. But it can take up to a month to see progress. And it doesn’t work for everyone.

Tea tree oil can cause a skin rash or trigger allergies. So talk with your doctor before you try it. They can suggest a tea tree product for you to try or explain how to dilute the oil to avoid side effects.

Never take tea tree oil by mouth since it can be toxic.

Bitter orange. This fruit has been used for years in Chinese medicine and by people who live in the Amazon rainforest.

Bitter orange oil is a natural fungus fighter. Besides athlete’s foot, it may help to clear up ringworm and jock itch.

One study found that when people applied a watered-down form of bitter orange oil to their feet three times a day, the fungus cleared up after a week or two.

Bitter orange can inflame your skin if you use it in its pure form. It can also make you more likely to get a sunburn, so be sure to protect your skin from the sun if you use it.

Ajoene from garlic. Ajoene is a chemical found in garlic that may ease symptoms of athlete’s foot. You can take it by mouth as an antifungal pill. You can also find it in gel form.

In one study, people who applied ajoene to their feet once a day saw their athlete’s foot symptoms go away after a week. This method might also help keep athlete’s foot from coming back.

Sunflower oil. Made from the pressed seeds of sunflowers, this oil has long been said to fight germs. Although athlete’s foot is not a germ, a brand called Oleozon, which contains ozone (another germ-killer), has been shown to get rid of athlete’s foot when applied to the feet. It’s unclear whether other brands of sunflower oil might work as well, but it may be worth trying.

Green tea.  Nutrients in green tea called polyphenols have antifungal powers. Soak your feet in lukewarm green tea and you may notice less peeling and redness. 

But this method won’t work quickly. You may have to soak your feet every day for 3 months. And more studies are needed to prove that green tea can get rid of the fungus, not just make your feet feel and look better.

Sosa. People in rural parts of Mexico use leaves of the Solanum chrysotrichum plant, also called giant devil’s fig. Studies show that a cream made from an extract of this shrubby plant works as an antifungal for athlete’s foot. It could also prevent it from coming back.

But while studies show that sosa is safe to put on your skin, it may be hard to find.

Vinegar. Some people believe that soaking your feet in a mixture of water and vinegar will get rid of athlete’s foot. While a vinegar soak won’t do your feet any harm, there’s not enough research to prove it will do much good, either.

Athlete’s foot is contagious. So don’t go barefoot in public areas such as the pool or gym where many others have walked with bare feet.  And since moisture helps the fungus grow, cut your risk by keeping your feet clean and dry.

 Other sensible steps:

• Take your shoes off when you go home and let your feet be exposed to the air.
• Never share shoes, socks, or towels.
• Be doubly cautious if you take an antibiotic for another condition. The medication can kill beneficial bacteria that normally control the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.

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Athlete’s foot – treatment, symptoms, causes, diagnosis

This is often called a fungal infection of the feet, more common in people involved in sports. Fungal lesions (mycoses) are caused by several types of fungi, with lesions in different parts of the foot and different visual manifestations. Mycosis of the feet is a contagious disease, and you can get infected by contact with the patient or his shoes. More often, infection occurs through contact with a surface contaminated with fungi (floors in a shower or locker room). The risk of infection in humans depends on the individual susceptibility of the organism. The older the person, the greater the chance of infection. If a person has had mycosis, then the risk of recurrence is quite high. People who are not susceptible to mycosis can be carriers of the disease and infect other people.

Risk factors

• Male gender. Men are more susceptible to foot fungus than women.
• Past history of fungal diseases
• The presence of reduced immunity (for diseases such as diabetes or cancer).
• Living in a warm, humid climate.
• Old age. Mycosis is more common in the older age group. Children rarely get sick with athlete’s foot.
• Prolonged exposure of feet to humidity.
• Wearing tight, poorly ventilated shoes.
• Walking barefoot in public locker rooms or showers
• Performing work involving prolonged contact with water.

Mycosis causes

Mycosis is caused by a fungus that develops on or in the top layer of the skin. Fungi thrive best in warm, moist places, such as between the toes.

Mycosis is very easily transmitted. You can become infected by touching the toes of a person who has the disease. But most often, people become infected when walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces near swimming pools or in locker rooms. Fungi begin to grow actively in shoes, especially tight ones, without air ventilation. In some cases, you can not get sick (in the absence of susceptibility), but become a carrier of the fungus and infect other people. As a rule, transferred mycosis does not guarantee that there will be no re-infection (quite the contrary).

Symptoms

Mycosis (athlete’s foot) may cause burning in the foot or between the toes and itching. The skin may become macerated and cracked. Symptoms depend on the location of the fungal infection (type of fungus).

• Fungal infection of the toe tissue usually occurs between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin becomes scaly, thinner, and cracks appear. In some people, a fungal infection is accompanied by a secondary bacterial infection, which leads to even more damage to the skin tissues.
• A fungal infection (such as a moccasin) may start with a slight soreness in the foot. The skin on the base or sole of the foot thickens and cracks. In severe cases, toenails may be affected (thickening of the nails, crumbling and sometimes falling out of the nails occur). Mycosis of the nails requires separate treatment.
• Fungal infection of the vesicular type. Usually manifested by the sudden appearance of small fluid-filled blisters under the skin. Bubbles are usually found at the base of the foot. But they can appear anywhere on the foot. It is also possible to combine a fungal infection with a bacterial one

Athlete’s Foot Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on a visual examination of the foot by a physician. The doctor may be interested in the presence of concomitant pathology and possible ways of infection with the fungus. In addition, the doctor needs to take a scraping for microscopic examination. In most cases, treatment is carried out at home with drugs sold in pharmacies without a prescription.

Over-the-counter drugs are used first. These are drugs such as lamisil, mikatin, clotrimazole. These drugs are applied topically in the form of ointments.

In severe mycosis, it is possible to use stronger drugs (as prescribed by a doctor) such as naphthine or mentaxa.

Oral drugs are prescribed only in severe cases and for a short period of time (due to the presence of pronounced side effects). For example, it is Diflucan or Sporanox.

In case of damage to the nails, the affected nails are removed using special applications.

When combined with a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention

• Keeping the Foot Dry
• Wiping the spaces between the fingers dry after swimming or showering
• Wearing shoes with adequate ventilation
• Wearing shoes with socks
• Wearing cotton socks
• Use talc or antifungal powder if sweating occurs
• Shoes must be aired for at least 24 hours after the next wear
• Wearing slippers in public places (pool, changing room, shower).

How to choose the best ointment for sprains

Which ointment is best for sprains and other injuries? We choose the best products that must be in the first aid kit of people involved in sports.

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Sprains and sprains are the most common injury and are, unfortunately, very easy to get, especially if you exercise frequently. But even those who lead a sedentary lifestyle have a risk of sprains. In this material, we will analyze the best ointments for bruises and sprains.

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

First of all, large joints, ligaments and muscles that we use most often – arms, legs, neck, are subject to sprains. This type of injury causes a lot of inconvenience and limits your movement. If your knees or ankles are affected, you may find it difficult to walk. In the treatment of sprains, special ointments, gels and compresses are used. The best ointments for sprains effectively and quickly relieve unpleasant symptoms, eliminate swelling and pain.

First aid for sprains

How to treat a sprain? First Aid:

1. Keep the joint immobile.
2. Apply a cold compress to the injured area.
3. Get a physical examination for associated injuries (for example, a sprain may be accompanied by a fracture or dislocation) and to assess the patient’s condition.

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If the injury is uncomplicated, you can get by with self-therapy with the help of ointments from sprains of muscles, ligaments and joints. They have a local effect on the injured area of ​​the body and help restore its mobility. Popular pharmacy products practically do not differ from each other in their effect, but contain different active ingredients. Consider the best ointments for muscle and ligament sprains.

Pain relievers for sprains

The best pain relievers for injuries have a cooling effect that quickly reduces pain. They can be used immediately after injury. It is preferable to choose preparations with a gel texture, which is quickly absorbed and distributed on the skin, avoiding friction of the painful area. They also prevent the formation of hematomas, relieve swelling. The best pain relief ointments for sprains and muscles with a cooling effect:

• Kapilar
• Reparil-gel
• Venoruton-gel
• Regenerating sports gel-balm “42”

Warming ointments for muscle strain and ligaments

The best ointment for sprains and sprains does not necessarily cool the tissues: some varieties On the contrary, they have a warming effect. The action of warming ointments for stretching is to accelerate blood circulation in the damaged joint or muscle. They can not be used immediately after injury, but only after a few days. Also, warming ointments for stretching are used to warm up the muscles before training, which serves as a good prevention of injuries and helps to reduce muscle pain. The best representatives of this class of funds:

• Kapsikam
• Finalgon
• Apizartron
• Nikoflex
• Bengay

Even the best ointments for sprains with a warming effect can cause a short-term burning sensation. It is necessary to remove the product from the skin not with water, but with a greasy cream or vegetable oil.

Ointments for sprains and bruises with heparin

One of the best ointments for bruises and sprains is heparin. You can also use its analogues. Means with sodium heparin prevent blood clotting and the formation of hematomas. If the bruise has already appeared, the ointment contributes to its rapid elimination. Strengthens blood vessels, relieves swelling. Ointment from sprains with heparin is applied to clean skin 2-4 times a day.

• Dolobene
• Lioton-gel
• Heparin ointment (Nizhpharm)
• Heparin-gel Akrikhin
• Trombless

90 004 Inexpensive ointments for sprains with badyaga

Badyaga is a substance consisting of silicon oxide. Ointments based on it improve blood flow at the site of injury, promote healing of hematomas. Not considered first choice for sprains, but may help speed up muscle recovery. although these are not the best remedies for sprains, they are quite effective, in addition, ointments with bodyaga are good against bruises. Another plus of such ointments is the low price.

• Badyaga forte-gel
• Cream “Lekar”
• Cream-balm “Ambulance”

Inexpensive ointments from sprains with arnica

9 0002 Affordable products based on arnica extract contribute to quick recovery after bruises, sprains and others injuries.