I’ve had athlete’s foot three times in recent years. The first and second time I had athlete’s foot, it took several months to get rid of it. On the third occasion, I used a product called Lamisil Once which worked amazingly well and got rid of my athlete’s foot within a few weeks. If you’ve not used Lamisil Once I recommend giving it a go. But if it doesn’t work for you, here is a selection of different methods that may get rid of Athlete’s foot.
If you want more information about Athlete’s Foot, then visit Athlete’s foot – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Important: All the methods shown below are ‘cures’ for athlete’s foot that I’ve found online. Many I have not personally tried. You should do your own research and get professional medical advice before proceeding with the ‘cures’ listed below.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil has antifungal properties, making it a popular natural remedy for athlete’s foot.
How to use tea tree oil to get rid of Athlete’s Foot:
- Dilute the Tea Tree Oil: Pure tea tree oil is potent and can irritate skin when used in its undiluted form. Mix it with a carrier oil, like coconut oil or olive oil. A common ratio is to mix 3-5 drops of tea tree oil with one tablespoon of carrier oil.
- Clean Your Feet: Before applying the oil, wash your feet thoroughly and dry them. This ensures that you’re applying the oil to a clean surface.
- Apply the Mixture: Using a cotton or a clean cloth, apply the diluted tea tree oil mixture to the affected areas of your feet. Be sure to get between the toes, where the athlete’s foot fungus thrives.
- Repeat Regularly: Apply the tea tree oil mixture two to three times a day. Consistency is key when it comes to treating fungal infections.
Keep Feet Dry And In The Light
Athlete’s foot, being a fungal infection, flourishes in moist and dark environments. Typically, feet are shut away in socks and shoes, creating perfect conditions for the fungus to thrive.
To counter this, allow your feet as much exposure as possible. This can be achieved by minimising the use of closed footwear or opting for more open types of shoes, such as flip-flops. Naturally, this is going to be more feasible during the warmer months.
Ozone Generator
Using an ozone generator to treat athlete’s foot is a slightly alternative approach, leveraging ozone’s oxidizing properties to combat fungal infections.
However, exercise caution, as ozone can be harmful if not used properly. Here’s a basic guideline on how to use an ozone generator for this purpose:
- Dampen your foot and place it inside a bag that is resistant to ozone. While a plastic bag can work temporarily, ensure it’s a suitable material for short-term use.
- Position the ozone generator’s tube so that it is sealed at the bag’s opening.
- Run the generator for approximately 5 minutes daily for around a week.
Continue Treatment After Symptoms Have Gone
Many treatments for athlete’s foot appear to achieve results. However, a common error people make and certainly one I’ve made, is stopping the treatment prematurely once the symptoms appear gone.
To ensure complete eradication of the athlete’s foot, it’s important to continue the treatment for an extended period after the symptoms have disappeared to prevent recurrence.
Foot Bath
Here’s a list of solutions that can be added to a foot bath to help get rid of athlete’s foot.
Potassium Permanganate – Soak your feet for 5 minutes in 1 part in 10,000 dilutions of potassium permanganate every eight hours. Rinse feet after with fresh water.
Copper Sulphate – dilute with water and soak feet for a few minutes once a day. Rinse feet after with fresh water.
Salt Solution – Add a generous quantity of salt to warm water and allow feet to soak for 20 minutes. Repeat every day until the foot fungus has gone.
White Vinegar – Add one part vinegar to two parts water and soak feet for about 20 minutes each day.
Dettol – Dilute Dettol in water as per instructions and soak feet for 15 minutes twice daily.
After bathing feet in any of the above solutions, it is super important that feet are properly dried.
Good Foot Hygiene
Keep feet clean and dry is an easy and effective way to help with the eradication of an athlete’s foot infection:
- Scrub feet with soap and water every day
- Make sure feet are dried properly after washing. Using a hair dryer can help ensure feet are completely dry.
- Wear fresh socks every day. Wash socks on at least 60°C to kill the fungus or steam iron your socks.
- Regularly spray shoes with antiseptic / disinfectant
Vaseline
Apply Vaseline to the infected area after washing your feet.
Oral Antifungal Medication
If all other treatments are unsuccessful, your doctor may recommend considering Griseofulvin or Terbinafine. However, it’s important to know that these medications can have significant side effects. Therefore, they should only be used when absolutely necessary and with your doctor’s approval.
Try Different Athlete’s Foot Creams and Sprays
Just because one athlete’s foot cream doesn’t work doesn’t mean that another won’t. The first time I had athlete’s foot, I used Mycota cream, which helped with the itching but didn’t get rid of the Athlete’s Foot. When I switched to using Lamisil spray, the Athlete’s foot started to go, although it did take quite a while
Vinegar
I’ve already mentioned using vinegar in a foot bath to treat athlete’s foot, but you can also apply vinegar in several other ways:
- Rub white vinegar directly onto your feet each morning and evening.
- Soak tightly rolled kitchen roll or toilet paper in vinegar and place the paper between your toes. Refresh each morning and before going to bed.
Bleach
I’ve seen a number of people suggesting that diluted household bleach (like Domestos) on an athlete’s foot is a cure. I’m not sure this is a good idea, as bleach is caustic and will burn skin. However, maybe if it is diluted enough it may be ok.
Alcohol
Using alcohol (specifically, isopropyl alcohol or rubbing alcohol) can be a method to help manage athlete’s foot. Alcohol has disinfectant properties and can help dry out the affected area, which can be beneficial since fungi thrive in moist environments.
To treat athlete’s foot using alcohol, pour rubbing alcohol or rub hand sanitiser over infected areas at least twice a day. Allow the alcohol to evaporate away before wearing socks or shoes.
Vicks
The key ingredients (camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol) in Vicks VapoRub have antifungal properties. Apply Vicks VapoRub to the infected areas every day.
Conclusion: How To Get Rid Of Athlete’s Foot
Getting rid of athlete’s foot involves good foot hygiene and over-the-counter treatments or sometimes home remedies. Here’s a comprehensive conclusion on how to effectively manage and eliminate athlete’s foot:
- Maintain Foot Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry. Wash them regularly with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Use Antifungal Treatments: Over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders are effective. Apply as directed on the product packaging, usually once or twice daily until the infection clears up and continue for a week or so after to prevent recurrence.
- Change Socks and Shoes Regularly: Wear clean, dry socks, and change them daily or more often if your feet sweat a lot. Ensure your shoes are dry and well-ventilated.
- Keep Your Feet Dry: Fungi thrive in moist environments. Use talcum powder to help keep your feet dry, and avoid wearing damp shoes or socks.
- Use ‘Home’ Remedies Cautiously: Remedies like tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, salt baths, or rubbing alcohol can be used, but do so with caution.
- It Takes Time: I’ve found getting rid of athlete’s foot can take quite a long time. Unfortunately, it’s not something that can be cured within a day or two.
Effective treatment of athlete’s foot involves persistence and consistency in applying these methods. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are usually the first choice and are often sufficient for mild to moderate infections. However, if the problem persists or is severe, a consultation with a doctor is probably a good idea.
TOP 3 BESTSELLING ATHLETE’S FOOT TREATMENTS
FAQ: Athlete’s Foot
1. What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. It’s called athlete’s foot because it’s commonly seen in athletes due to the warm, moist environment created by sweaty socks and tight-fitting shoes.
2. What causes athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot is caused by various types of fungi, such as Trichophyton, Epidermophyton, and Microsporum. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, swimming pools, and showers. Direct contact with infected surfaces or sharing items like towels or shoes can spread the infection.
3. What are the symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Symptoms of athlete’s foot may include itching, burning, stinging, and redness between the toes or on the soles of the feet. In some cases, the skin may peel, crack, or blister. If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the foot.
4. How is athlete’s foot diagnosed?
If your foot has a red patch and is itchy, then it’s probably athlete’s foot
5. How is athlete’s foot treated?
Treatment for athlete’s foot typically involves antifungal medications. Over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders are often effective for mild cases. For more severe or persistent infections, prescription-strength antifungal medications may be necessary.
6. When should I see a doctor about athlete’s foot?
If over-the-counter treatments are not effective in clearing up the infection within a few weeks, or if the infection is severe or spreading, it’s a good idea to see a doctor.
7. Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes, athlete’s foot is contagious and can be spread through direct contact with infected skin or indirectly through contaminated surfaces or items like towels, socks, or shoes.
