Athlete’s Foot: What Gets Rid of Fungus for Good?
Medically reviewed by Sarah Richards, DPMMedically reviewed by Sarah Richards, DPMAthlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the feet. It is often found between the toes and on the soles of the feet.Fortunately, many home remedies and antifungals treat it. Some are stronger and work faster than others, with antifungals being the most effective and acting the quickest.This article explains different treatments for mild athlete's foot and how to keep it from recurring.
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Quick Treatment for Mild Athlete’s FootIf you have fungus on your feet, you are probably looking for fast relief. For mild infections, first-line treatment includes a topical antifungal cream applied one to two times per day for one to six weeks, depending on the type.Topical antifungals used to treat athlete's foot include:Allylamines (terbinafine)Azoles (ketoconazole)BenzylamineCiclopiroxTolnaftateAmorolfinePeople with mild athlete's foot usually respond to a shorter treatment (one week), while those with a more severe infection may need treatment for a month or more. Topical antifungals are usually well-tolerated, and side effects are often site-related pain or itching.Understanding Where Your Athlete’s Foot Came FromAthlete's foot is caused by fungus—most often Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton interdigitale. Fungal overgrowth occurs in dark, damp places, so it commonly affects the feet. Sweaty feet trapped in socks and shoes are the perfect environment for fungus to thrive and grow.Some things make you more likely to develop athlete's foot, including:Using a locker-room showerHaving a family history of athlete's footExperiencing nail traumaWearing used shoesUsing antifungal drugsParticipating in sports or other physical activitiesWearing occlusive (unbreathable) shoesSwimming in public poolsSitting in a sauna or steam roomGetting a pedicureHaving a fungal fingernail infectionTaking immunosuppressive drugsAre You Sure It’s Athlete’s Foot?Sometimes, people with foot symptoms wonder if it's dry skin or athlete's foot. It's a good question since the athlete's foot can look like dry skin and other skin conditions. Foot Fungus or Something Else?Conditions with similar symptoms as athlete’s foot that need to be ruled out to make a diagnosis (called a differential diagnosis) include:Atopic dermatitis (eczema)Contact dermatitisJuvenile plantar dermatosis (known as "wet and dry foot syndrome" in children)PsoriasisScabies
Symptom Appearance
Burak Karademir / Getty Images' title='Mild Athlete's Foot '>
Burak Karademir / Getty Images
Healthcare providers can often identify athlete's foot by its appearance, which includes:Dry skinScaling or peeling skinInflamed or swollen skinAthlete's foot blistersIf blisters break open, you may notice raw tissue that becomes swollen.Symptom Sensations
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022.' title='Athlete's foot in the area between toes '>
Reproduced with permission from ©DermNet NZ www.dermnetnz.org 2022.
If you have athlete's foot, the sensations may give it away. Athlete's foot causes itching and burning sensations, especially between the toes. These sensations may spread and become more intense as the infection spreads to other parts of the feet.Symptom Onset
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2023.' title='Close up of athlete's foot'>
Reproduced with permission from © DermNet and © Raimo Suhonen www.dermnetnz.org 2023.
After your feet are exposed to the fungus that causes athlete's foot, it can take some time for symptoms to develop. Most people notice symptoms a few days to two weeks after exposure.Athlete’s Foot Not ImprovingIf your athlete's foot is not improving or you have extreme foot fungus, it's time to see a healthcare provider. Signs you should seek medical care for athlete's foot include:Foot swellingA foot that's warm to the touchRed streaks or painPusDrainageFeverSymptoms that do not go away within two to four weeks with at-home careThese symptoms may indicate that you have a bacterial infection or that you require a stronger treatment.Comparing Athlete’s Foot TreatmentsHow do you get athlete's foot to go away? There are nondrug, over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, and prescription treatments.NondrugSome home remedies for athlete's foot include:Herbal foot bathsApplying apple cider vinegarTea tree oilIn mild cases, these may help, but home remedies have little to no evidence supporting their efficacy.OTC OptionsOTC antifungals for athlete's foot include:Lamisil (terbinafine)Lotrimin, Mycelex (clotrimazole)Tinactin, Desenex, Absorbine, Blis-To-Sol, Ting (tolnaftate)Micatin (miconazole)Blis-To-Sol liquid, Cruex (undecylenic acid)These preparations may come in creams, sprays, powders, or drops.Prescription-Grade AntifungalsIf you require a stronger medication, prescription antifungals are available. These oral medications include:TerbinafineItraconazoleKetoconazoleFluconazoleGriseofulvinBovine lactoferrinWhat Happens If Athlete’s Foot Goes Untreated?Athlete's foot will not go away on its own, so it's important to treat it. Left untreated, deep cracks and skin breaks can occur. This can make it more likely that a bacterial infection will set in. It also could spread to other parts of your body, including your groin.How to Keep Athlete’s Foot From ReturningWhen athlete's foot doesn't fully resolve or if your feet are continually exposed to the fungus that causes it, you may experience recurrent athlete's foot. Here are some ways to prevent athlete's foot from returning:Wear flip-flops in locker rooms and pools.Keep your feet dry. Wear breathable shoes.Wash your feet every day with soap and water.Wear socks made of natural fabrics.Change your socks every day and when they get wet.Make sure your shoes are dry when you put them on.Don't share towels or other linens or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot.SummaryFungus causes athlete's foot. Many treatments exist, but topical antifungal medicine is the quickest and most effective. If your at-home efforts don't work within a couple of weeks, seek help from a healthcare provider.Symptoms of athlete's foot include dry, peeling, or inflamed skin. It typically occurs between the toes. To prevent athlete's foot, don't walk around barefoot in locker rooms or pools, keep your feet dry, wash your feet daily, and wear breathable shoes. Read the original article on Verywell Health.
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