Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal skin infection that can occur on any part of the foot but most commonly happens in the spaces between the toes. Symptoms include red, swollen, peeling, and itchy skin in the affected areas, as well as blisters in severe cases.
Athlete’s foot won’t usually go away without treatment. Although numerous well-known home remedies claim to treat athlete’s foot, only a few have research backing them up.
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ dermnetnz.org 2022.
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antifungal Products
You can easily find antifungal products for athlete’s foot in the supermarket or drug store. You can choose from sprays, powders, or creams. Effective active ingredients include:
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Tolnaftate
You will need to use these products consistently to clear up athlete’s foot and continue to use them for several weeks after the infection has cleared. Otherwise, it may return.
2. Vinegar
Although studies on the use of vinegar to cure athlete’s foot are lacking, research has shown that apple cider vinegar has a strong antimicrobial effect against fungi. This ability to prevent or inhibit fungal growth is believed to come from the organic acids and other plant compounds present in apple cider vinegar.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has long been used to treat skin infections, but no solid evidence supports that it can cure athlete’s foot. An older study found that a 10% tea tree oil cream was not nearly as effective as the antifungal drug Tinactin (tolnaftate) and no more effective than a placebo (inactive) cream in curing athlete’s foot in a month.
A more recent study found that adding tea tree oil to the antifungal drug ketoconazole in a gel formula could increase the drug’s effectiveness in fighting fungal infections.
4. Vick’s VapoRub
Limited research supports that Vick’s VapoRub, an over-the-counter (OTC) ointment to relieve coughing symptoms, can help to relieve athlete’s foot. An older study found that Vick’s VapoRub applied once daily was effective in treating toenail fungus, which is commonly linked with athlete’s foot.
Vick’s VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil, which studies have shown can be an effective treatment for toenail fungus when applied topically (to the skin). Vick’s VapoRub also contains menthol, which is known to have antifungal properties.
Should I Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Treat Athlete’s Foot?
Although hydrogen peroxide is an anecdotal remedy for treating athlete’s foot, it is not recommended to apply it to wounds or sores because it can cause irritation and further damage.
5. Listerine
Although a Listerine foot soak is a well-known home remedy for athlete’s foot, no studies back its effectiveness. Listerine contains thymol, an essential oil with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda may inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi that cause skin infections. However, no studies have shown that it works specifically as a remedy for athlete’s foot.
7. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol 70%) is an antiseptic commonly applied to reduce the risk of contamination in medical settings. Rubbing alcohol has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Although there is anecdotal evidence rubbing alcohol can help cure athlete’s foot, no scientific evidence backs up those claims.
Should You Use Garlic to Treat Athlete’s Foot?
Garlic is known to have antifungal properties and has been cited as a home remedy for athlete’s foot. But in a 2018 case study, a woman experienced severe skin burns that blistered after rubbing raw garlic on her toes to treat athlete’s foot. It was determined that the burns came from sulfur-containing compounds in the garlic that can potentially irritate the skin.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to fight a wide range of ailments, including bacterial and fungal infections.
A 2024 study found that coconut oil taken orally had a strong therapeutic effect on certain fungi that cause athlete’s foot and could provide a safe and effective alternative to clinical antifungal medications.
9. Neem Oil
Research has shown that neem oil can stop the growth of certain types of fungi that affect the skin. Extract from neem leaves had an even stronger antifungal effect than those from neem seeds.
10. Talcum Powder
Talc-based powders (along with starch-based powders) can help minimize friction between the toes but are of better use keeping the skin dry and preventing athlete’s foot than treating it.
Ways to Manage and Prevent Athlete’s Foot
Practicing good foot hygiene can help both manage and prevent athlete’s foot. Steps you can take include:
- Change your shoes and socks regularly.
- Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly afterward.
- Keep your toenails clean and short.
- Check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, and other signs of infection.
- Don’t share socks, shoes, or towels.
- Wear footwear in public places, especially showers and pool areas.
- Only visit nail salons that are clean, sterilize equipment after every use, and are licensed by your state cosmetology board.
How to Make a Warm Foot Soak
Foot soaks are typically made by adding Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) or other soothing products to a basin of warm water. Although Epsom salt won’t kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, it can help draw out moisture that fungus needs to thrive.
To make a warm foot soak:
- Fill a basin with warm water.
- Add half or three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salt to the water.
- Place the feet in the soak for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Dry the feet thoroughly when finished.
Other Foot Soaks
You can also make a foot soak by adding several drops of essential oils or 3 or 4 tablespoons of baking soda to warm water. Or you can make a vinegar foot soak by adding two parts water to one part vinegar.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
You should contact a healthcare provider if home or OTC remedies aren’t getting rid of your athlete’s foot. If you have diabetes or are prone to skin infections, you should see a healthcare provider right away if any type of rash or sore develops on your feet.
Summary
Athlete’s foot is a common condition. It rarely goes away on its own and can worsen without treatment. Although there are many well-known remedies for athlete’s foot, only a few are backed up by solid research. You should always contact a healthcare provider if you have athlete’s foot that’s worsening or not improving or if you have diabetes.
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Athlete’s Foot: Understanding, Treating, and Preventing the Fungal Infection
Athlete’s foot, clinically known as tinea pedis, is a prevalent fungal infection primarily affecting the skin between the toes, but it can also appear on other areas of the feet. The condition is characterized by symptoms such as redness, swelling, itching, peeling skin, and in some severe instances, blisters.
Why Athlete’s Foot Persists Without Treatment
Without proper treatment, athlete’s foot is unlikely to resolve on its own. While a variety of home remedies exist, only a limited number have been scientifically validated as effective solutions.
TOP TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR ATHLETE’S FOOT
1. Over-the-Counter Antifungal Treatments
Drugstores offer a range of antifungal treatments for athlete’s foot, available in the form of creams, powders, or sprays. Effective active ingredients to look for include:
- Clotrimazole
- Miconazole
- Tolnaftate
For optimal results, these products should be applied consistently, often for several weeks after the symptoms have subsided to prevent recurrence.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar
Though research validating its effectiveness for athlete’s foot is currently insufficient, apple cider vinegar is noted for its potent antimicrobial properties against fungi. This efficacy is attributed to its organic acids and plant compounds.
3. Tea Tree Oil
Traditionally used for treating skin infections, tea tree oil’s efficacy against athlete’s foot remains inconclusive. A study indicated that a 10% tea tree oil cream did not outperform tolnaftate and exhibited no significant benefits compared to a placebo. However, a more recent study suggests that combining tea tree oil with the antifungal ketoconazole might enhance treatment effectiveness.
4. Vicks VapoRub
Research indicates that Vicks VapoRub, typically a cough relief ointment, can aid in treating athlete’s foot. An earlier study demonstrated its effectiveness against toenail fungus. Its ingredients, such as eucalyptus oil and menthol, harbor antifungal properties, making it a potential remedy.
5. Listerine
While a common home remedy involving Listerine foot soaks exists, scientific backing is lacking. Listerine contains thymol, recognized for its antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Baking Soda
Baking soda may inhibit certain fungi related to skin infections, although specific studies on its effectiveness against athlete’s foot have not been conducted.
7. Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol 70%) boasts antifungal characteristics. However, claims regarding its efficacy in treating athlete’s foot lack scientific validation.
8. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been celebrated in traditional medicine for its antifungal properties. A study published in 2024 found oral coconut oil to have notable therapeutic effects against fungi responsible for athlete’s foot, presenting a feasible alternative to conventional antifungal medications.
9. Neem Oil
Research shows neem oil is effective in inhibiting the growth of specific fungi that affect the skin, with extracts from neem leaves demonstrating a stronger antifungal impact than those from seeds.
10. Talcum Powder
While talc-based powders can reduce friction and absorb moisture, they are more effective in prevention rather than treatment of athlete’s foot.
Preventing Athlete’s Foot
Maintaining proper foot hygiene is crucial in managing and preventing athlete’s foot. Here are some actionable steps:
- Regularly change your socks and shoes.
- Wash feet daily and ensure they are thoroughly dried afterward.
- Keep toenails trimmed and clean.
- Conduct routine foot checks for cuts or signs of infection.
- Avoid sharing footwear and towels.
- Wear appropriate footwear in public areas like pools and showers.
- Ensure clean practices at nail salons.
How to Prepare a Warm Foot Soak
Foot soaks can provide soothing relief. To prepare a simple soak:
- Fill a basin with warm water.
- Add half to three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salt.
- Soak your feet for 20-30 minutes.
- Dry your feet thoroughly after soaking.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Should home remedies and OTC treatments fail to alleviate your athlete’s foot, it is advisable to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional. This is particularly critical if you are diabetic or predisposed to skin infections, as quick intervention may be necessary for any emergent rash or sore.
Conclusion
Athlete’s foot is a common affliction that rarely resolves without treatment and can worsen if ignored. While numerous remedies circulate for its management, only a few have robust scientific support. For severe or persistent cases, or if you have specific health concerns like diabetes, prompt medical advice is imperative.
