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How do I Choose the Best Athlete's Foot Remedy?

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

The best athlete’s foot remedy usually depends on the severity of the case. If you have a fairly mild form of athlete’s foot, which is a condition caused by a fungus, you may find that over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal creams, sprays, lotions, and powders work well. In addition, some home remedies may also help when used in conjunction with OTC medications. In the event that your case of athlete’s foot is severe, however, you may need a prescription-strength antifungal medication to get rid of it. A doctor may prescribe a topical medication, such as miconazole or butenafine, that you can apply to your feet, or he may prescribe an oral drug, such as fluconazole or terbinafine, to treat it.

If you have a mild case of athlete’s foot, you may cure it by using an OTC athlete's foot remedy, such as those the contain clotrimazole, miconazole, butenafine, or terbinafine. For example, you may use an OTC antifungal foot powder or cream to treat the condition. There are also OTC antifungal lotions and sprays that are effective against athlete’s foot. Any of these products may work well as an athlete's foot remedy, and you can choose one or combine multiple products as part of a treatment regimen. For instance, you may spray antifungal spray between your toes and then use an antifungal cream on the rest of your feet.

A cream for treating athete's foot.
A cream for treating athete's foot.

In addition to an OTC athlete's foot remedy, you may also use some home remedies to help relieve your symptoms and improve your chances for a speedy cure. For example, you may soak your feet in a solution of warm water and vinegar. Some people also apply raw garlic or solutions of water and fresh ginger to their feet to help treat athlete’s foot. You may, however, find that OTC treatments and prescription medications are more reliable than home remedies.

Feet should be soaked at least twice a day to help treat athlete's foot.
Feet should be soaked at least twice a day to help treat athlete's foot.

In the event that your case of athlete’s foot is severe or OTC treatments don’t improve your symptoms, the best athlete's foot remedy may be one for which you need a prescription. For example, your doctor may prescribe prescription-strength antifungal creams, lotions, and powders for treatment. In some cases, he may prescribe oral antifungal medications as well.

Vinegar is a helpful and natural treatment for athlete's foot.
Vinegar is a helpful and natural treatment for athlete's foot.

There are numerous prescription medications a doctor may prescribe for athlete's foot. One of the most common topical medications is prescription-strength miconazole. As far as oral medications are concerned, a doctor may prescribe medications such as fluconazole or terbinafine for this fungal condition. Itraconazole is also among the treatments a doctor may prescribe for athlete's foot.

Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

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Nicole Madison
Nicole Madison

Nicole’s thirst for knowledge inspired her to become a WiseGEEK writer, and she focuses primarily on topics such as homeschooling, parenting, health, science, and business. When not writing or spending time with her four children, Nicole enjoys reading, camping, and going to the beach.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

My favorite athlete's foot medicine comes in spray form. When you use it, not only are you putting on medicine that will cure this fungal infection, but the spraying action cools and soothes burning feet.

Talentryto

If you don't have a severe case of athlete's foot, a home remedy may work just fine for you. I have used eucalyptus oil following a an Epson salt soak with good results. The two combined seem to have an anti-fungal effect without harsh medications.

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    • A cream for treating athete's foot.
      By: picsfive
      A cream for treating athete's foot.
    • Feet should be soaked at least twice a day to help treat athlete's foot.
      By: Mykola Velychko
      Feet should be soaked at least twice a day to help treat athlete's foot.
    • Vinegar is a helpful and natural treatment for athlete's foot.
      By: hsagencia
      Vinegar is a helpful and natural treatment for athlete's foot.
    • Mild cases of athlete's foot can be treated with over-the-counter products.
      By: maska82
      Mild cases of athlete's foot can be treated with over-the-counter products.