The Top 12 Athletes Foot Treatments Remedies for Foot Pain

The 12 Best Athletes Foot Treatments
Itchy, burning, peeling, and cracking skin between the toes and on the bottoms of the feet are all common symptoms of athlete’s foot. Walking or going about your day can frequently be uncomfortable due to these sensations.1.Even worse, there is no natural remedy for this illness. Fortunately, there are a number of over-the-counter drugs that can be used to treat athlete’s foot fast and effectively.

We looked at hundreds of athlete’s foot remedies to help treat fungal infections and assessed them based on their efficacy, cost, availability, active ingredients, and method of application. The end result is a comprehensive list of all accessible therapies. You may get everything you need to treat this uncomfortable, itchy disease, including wipes, foot soaks, gels, lotions, and powders. This is what you must do:understand the symptoms and treatment options for athlete’s foot.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis or foot ringworm, is a fungal infection affecting the feet, commonly found in the spaces between the toes. It may cause redness, itching, skin fissures, or scales. This condition is prevalent in men and older individuals, impacting 3% to 15% of the population.

Various fungi can cause athlete’s foot, and Athletes Foot treatments often include active ingredients like terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, and tolnaftate. Terbinafine is recommended for its fungicidal properties, distinguishing it from other ingredients that merely inhibit fungal growth. Tolnaftate-containing products can prevent athlete’s foot, while clotrimazole and miconazole are effective against yeast-based fungi.

Athletes Foot treatments formulations vary, with creams offering deep penetration and long-lasting relief, while powders and powder-based sprays are suitable for moisture absorption and day-long wear.

Although over-the-counter Athletes Foot treatments are available, their safety is not universal. Some may not be safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and interactions with other medications are possible. Healthcare providers should be consulted if over-the-counter treatments prove ineffective after three to four weeks. Medical attention is also necessary in case of signs of infection or complications.

Dr. Li emphasizes the association between athlete’s foot and skin infections in people with diabetes or the elderly with baseline leg swelling. In such cases, prompt treatment is crucial.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

 Lamisil Athlete’s Foot Antifungal Cream at Amazon ($17)

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Best Multipurpose:

 Kerasal 5-in-1 Athlete’s Foot Gel at Amazon ($10)

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Best Powder:

 Zeasorb Antifungal Treatment Powder, at Amazon ($12)

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Best Spray:

 Lotrimin AF Miconazole Nitrate Deodorant Antifungal Powder Spray at Amazon ($9)

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Best Cream:

 Tinactin Tolnaftate 1% Athlete’s Foot Cream at Amazon ($13)

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Best Foot Soak:

 Foot Cure Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak at Amazon ($16)

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Best Medicated Wipes:

 SmoothAF Medicated Athlete’s Foot Wipes at Amazon ($13)

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Best Soap:

 PediFix FungaSoap Cleansing Wash at Amazon ($22)

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Best Tea Tree Oil:

 TruRemedy Tea Tree Oil Balm at Amazon ($20)

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Best for Kids:

 Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Spray at Amazon ($7)

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In This Article

• What Is Athlete’s Foot?
• Types of Athlete’s Foot Treatments
• Safety and When to See a Healthcare Provider
• Our Picks
• How We Selected
• Our Experts
• FAQ
• Why Trust Verywell Health

Athletes Foot treatments Best Overall

Lamisil Athlete’s Foot Antifungal Cream

Walgreen

View On Amazon$17View On Walmart$16View On Walgreens$20

Pros

• Cures athlete’s foot in one week
• Does not stain clothes or sheets
• Ideal for dry skin

Cons

• Not suitable for children younger than 12
• Requires touching the infected area

Key Specs

Form: Cream | Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Terbinafine hydrochloride

Why We Recommend Athletes Foot treatments

When deciding which treatment for athlete’s foot deserved the top honors, it was an easy decision to select Lamisil AT, especially since most of our experts recommend it to their patients. Not only does this powerful, broad-spectrum antifungal cream cure most cases of athlete’s foot within one week, including between the toes, but it also provides instant relief from the itching, burning, cracking, and scaling that athlete’s foot produces. And, if you have dry skin—which sometimes accompanies athlete’s foot—you will appreciate the soothing nature of this cream on those itchy bumps. 

As a bonus, this cream-based product absorbs into the skin quickly and helps prevent reinfection for up to three months. It is also generally more soothing than powders. Plus, you don’t have to worry about it staining your clothes or bed linens so you can apply it whenever suits you best.

Keep in Mind

Due to its powerful nature, Lamisil AT is not suitable for children younger than 12 years old. Also, because this is a cream, you will have to touch the infected area when applying it, but you can remedy this by wearing nitrile gloves or purchasing the spray version.

Best Multipurpose

Kerasal 5-in-1 Athlete’s Foot Gel

Amazon

View On Amazon$10View On Walmart$11View On Kerasal.com

Pros

• Nourishes skin
• No-touch applicator
• Safe for kids over the age of two

Cons

• Not as strong as some other treatments

Key Specs

Form: Gel | Size: 0.42 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tolnaftate, ceramides, aloe, vitamin E

Why We Recommend It

This five-in-one treatment contains tolnaftate to clear up mild to moderate cases of fungus as well as to prevent flare-ups. We love that it contains aloe to relieve itching and burning as well as ceramides and vitamin E to nourish skin. The result is soft skin that’s clear of fungus.

This option also contains essential oils to deodorize smelly feet naturally. Plus, the gel is dispensed through a no-touch applicator to avoid mess, and it’s approved for use on children over two years old. If you don’t like the idea of a gel, it is also available in a spray or a foot soak.

Keep in Mind

While research indicates that tolnaftate is effective at clearing up mild to moderate cases of athlete’s foot, it is not as effective as our top pick, which contains terbinafine hydrochloride.

Best Powder

Zeasorb Antifungal Treatment Powder,

Amazon

View On Amazon$12View On Walmart$8View On Walgreens$12

Pros

• Keeps feet dry and itch-free
• Ideal for sweaty feet
• Safe for kids over age two

Cons

• Can be difficult to get between toes
• Can be messy

Key Specs

Form: Powder | Size: 4.53 ounces | Active Ingredients: Miconazole nitrate

Why We Recommend It

Zeasorb Antifungal Treatment Powder is an extremely soothing foot powder that will get you through the day without any itching or burning. Not only will it help your feet stay cool and dry, but it also reduces itching on the spot. And, the miconazole nitrate in this foot powder helps clear most cases of athlete’s foot when used consistently. 

This foot powder is also a particularly good option for those with sweaty feet—just pair it with moisture-wicking socks and you are good to go. More importantly, keeping your feet dry will help the fungus from growing and spreading.

Keep in Mind

Because this treatment comes in powder form, it can be a challenge to get between the toes. It also can be messy and spill on the floor, so you may want to put a towel under your feet when you are applying it.

Best Spray

Lotrimin AF Miconazole Nitrate Deodorant Antifungal Powder Spray

Amazon

View On Amazon$9View On Walmart$9View On Target$9

Pros

• Dry and odorless
• Does not stain clothes or sheets
• Easy to get in hard-to-reach spaces

Cons

• May take time to see results

Key Specs

Form: Powder spray. | Size: 4.6 ounces  | Active Ingredients: Miconazole nitrate

Why We Recommend It

Lotrimin AF powder spray is a greaseless, odorless, and non-staining powder that soothes itching, burning, cracking, scaling, and discomfort. It goes on dry, reduces foot odor, and provides effective relief from the symptoms of athlete’s foot. And because it’s a spray, there is no need to touch the infected area. More importantly, it will cure most cases of athlete’s foot when used as directed, especially in those hard-to-reach places like in between the toes. 

The best part about powder formulas like this one is that they contain active fungal-fighting ingredients while also working to dry out any moist areas. As a result, Lotrimin AF spray might be the best option for those who are trying to prevent recurrence. It’s also safe to use on kids ages two and older.

Keep in Mind

The active ingredient in Lotrimin AF is miconazole, which takes longer to work than stronger active ingredients.

Best Cream

Tinactin Tolnaftate 1% Athlete’s Foot Cream

Walmart

View On Amazon$13View On WalmartView On CVS$20

Pros

• Helps prevent recurrence
• Does not easily rub off
• Odorless formula

Cons

• Requires touching the infected area

Key Specs

Form: Cream | Size: 1 ounce | Active Ingredients: Tolnaftate

Why We Recommend It

For those who prefer creams over powders, you cannot go wrong with Tinactin Antifungal Cream, especially if you have dry, cracked, or scaling skin. This athlete’s foot cream cures most forms of athlete’s foot and helps prevent it from recurring—a real plus for anyone prone to developing athlete’s foot regularly.

We also appreciate that this over-the-counter antifungal cream relieves itching, burning, and cracking all while being odorless. Plus, it goes on smoothly, does not rub off very easily, and has an odor-fighting agent that will help prevent your feet from smelling after a long day of wearing shoes. 

Keep in Mind

If the idea of touching the infected areas of your athlete’s foot is not appealing, this cream may not be the best option for you. However, Tinactin does come in other formulas including a liquid spray and a powder spray.

Best Foot Soak

Foot Cure Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon$16

Pros

• Deodorizes smelly feet
• Soothes away burning and itching
• Softens calluses

Cons

• Does not cure athlete’s foot

Key Specs

Form: Powder | Size: 16 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil

Why We Recommend It

Sometimes the itching and burning associated with athlete’s foot can feel unbearable, especially after a long day on your feet. Fortunately, you may be able to eliminate that discomfort by using a foot soak like Foot Cure’s Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak. While research is limited, there are some studies that tea tree oil may help address athlete’s foot, especially when it comes to reducing symptoms like burning, swelling, and itching.⁴

This foot soak also has a wonderful aroma and helps combat foot odors that are commonly associated with athlete’s foot. It can also soften those pesky calluses on your feet, soothe away tiredness and fatigue, and potentially even address nail discoloration. You can even count on this foot soak to alleviate and rehydrate dry, flaky skin. Lastly, if you are prone to athlete’s foot, you can use this foot soak to keep your feet clean and refreshed—which is a necessity in the prevention of athlete’s foot going forward. Just be sure to consistently sanitize your foot bath after using this soak.

Keep in Mind

While this foot soak is soothing, it is not meant to treat athlete’s foot. Instead, it should be used as a complementary treatment to soothe symptoms.

Best Medicated Wipes

SmoothAF Medicated Athlete’s Foot Wipes

Amazon

View On Amazon$13View On Walmart

Pros

• Exfoliates and softens skin
• Deodorizes smelly feet
• Alcohol-free, no-touch formulation

Cons

• Only 14 towelettes per package

Key Specs

Form: Medicated Wipe | Size: 14 towelettes | Active Ingredients: Tolnaftate 

Why We Recommend It

Awarded with the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Approval, these alcohol-free Smooth AF Medicated foot wipes are a great option for stopping foot fungus in its tracks. Not only does the product’s tolnaftate help clear up existing athlete’s foot but, with regular use, it can also prevent it from coming back as well. 

Plus, stinky foot odor will be replaced with the clean and fresh scent of eucalyptus and peppermint. These towelettes are even slightly textured to help exfoliate your feet, helping to soothe and improve the health of your skin. You will also be able to get between the toes without worrying about touching the infected areas in the application process.

Keep in Mind

Because there are only 14 towelettes per package, ongoing treatment can get costly, especially if you are using them to clean your feet more than once a day.

Best Soap

PediFix FungaSoap Cleansing Wash

Amazon

View On Amazon$22View On Walmart$8View On Pedifix.com

Pros

• Removes fungus from the skin’s surface
• Helps refresh and deodorize skin
• Contains top-notch ingredients

Cons

• Does not cure athlete’s foot

Key Specs

Form: Gel soap | Size: 13.5 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil

Why We Recommend It

Formulated with 100% plant-based extracts, this PediFix FungaSoap is a unique blend of tea tree oil and other essential oils that will keep your skin feeling clean and refreshed. Not only does it function as a natural disinfectant for your skin and nails, but it can also be used to prevent fungal infections. You can use it alone if you are prone to athlete’s foot, or as a complement to your current athlete’s foot treatment plan. 

It is made with top-notch ingredients including mineral oil so you do not have to worry about the purity of the product. And you can count on it to relieve your discomfort from itchy, cracked, or irritated skin. It will even help neutralize odors that can come from excessive sweating or active infections. 

Keep in Mind

This rinse is designed to be used as a preventative measure or alongside over-the-counter treatment options for athlete’s foot, so it will not cure athlete’s foot alone.

Best Tea Tree Oil

TruRemedy Tea Tree Oil Balm

Amazon

View On Amazon$20View On WalmartView On Gosupps.com

Pros

• 100% organic
• Soothes itching and burning
• Gluten-free and fragrance-free

Cons

• May feel a little greasy to some
• Has a strong scent

Key Specs

Form: Balm | Size: 2 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil

Why We Recommend It

This TruRemedy Tea Tree Oil foot balm is made from organic tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils that soothe itching, and burning feet. It’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly, leaving skin feeling hydrated. 

We appreciate that this option doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals like preservatives, petroleum, silicone, or dyes. It is also gluten-free and fragrance-free and is rich with omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 as well as vitamin E and vitamin C. And, it works to alleviate odors from feet and toes that are infected with athlete’s foot.

Keep in Mind

Because this product contains several essential oils, it can feel a little greasy when freshly applied. Keep in mind that tea tree oil has a strong scent, so if you are sensitive to strong smells or do not like the smell of tea tree oil, you may not care for this balm.

Best for Kids

Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Athlete’s Foot Treatment Spray

Amazon

View On Amazon$7View On Walmart$7View On Walgreens$9

Pros

• Easy, no-touch application
• Contains cooling menthol
• Travels well

Cons

• Goes on wet

Key Specs

Form: Spray | Size: 5.3 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tolnaftate

Why We Recommend It

If your kids are active in sports like swimming, track and field, or even baseball, athlete’s foot could potentially become a regular occurrence due to the moist environments they are often exposed to like pool decks and locker room showers. For this reason, you need something that applies easily, travels well, helps prevent the recurrence of athlete’s foot, and cools itching and burning on contact—and Dr. Scholl’s Instant Cool Spray fits the bill. 

Not only does this liquid spray provide 24-hour relief, but it also contains menthol to help cool down inflamed areas almost immediately. Plus, it is made with tolnaftate, a powerful anti-fungal that cures and prevents most types of athlete’s foot. We also appreciate that this maximum-strength spray is easy to apply and does not require you to touch infected areas—a real plus if your kids are young and need help with the application. It is also invisible once applied and does not leave behind a powdery residue. Just be sure you do not use it on kids younger than two years old unless directed to do so by a medical professional.

Keep in Mind

Because this is a liquid spray, it is a little wet at first so you may need to wait for it to dry before putting on socks, which can be challenging for little kids.

Best Natural Treatment

Pharmanerve Tea Tree Oil Antifungal Cream

Amazon

View On Amazon$19View On Gosupps.com

Pros

• Contains only plant-based ingredients
• Soothes away burning and itching
• Helps prevent fungal infections

Cons

• May not see quick results
• Not suitable for severe athlete’s foot

Key Specs

Form: Balm | Size: 3.4 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil, coconut oil, eucalyptus, lavender, vitamin C, vitamin E, omegas

Why We Recommend It

If you are a lover of all things natural, then you will appreciate Pharmanerve’s all-natural, non-greasy balm for athlete’s foot. Not only does this plant-based product help address uncomfortable fungal conditions, but it also helps nourish and hydrate your skin without any artificial ingredients like steroids, fragrances, sulfates, or parabens. It’s also gluten-free, cruelty-free, and eco-friendly.

This option is formulated with a host of 20-plus all-natural ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil, eucalyptus, lavender, vitamin C, vitamin E, omegas, and olive oil. It also provides long-lasting relief from itchy, dry, or cracked skin while preventing the development of fungal conditions. It can even be used for eczema, psoriasis, and other itchy, scaly conditions.

Keep in Mind

Because this Athletes Foot treatments option contains all-natural ingredients and not over-the-counter medications, some people may not see quick results. If you have a severe case of athlete’s foot, this product may not be suitable for you.

Best No-Touch Application

Lotrimin Ultra with No Touch Applicator

Amazon

View On Amazon$15View On Walmart$16View On Walgreens$25

Pros

• Cures athlete’s foot in one week
• Mess-free application
• Relieves itching and burning

Cons

• Not suitable for children younger than 12

Key Specs

Form: Cream | Size: 0.7 ounces | Active Ingredients: Butenafine hydrochloride

Why We Recommend Athletes Foot treatments

If you don’t like the idea of touching your athlete’s foot infection, you will appreciate the soft no-touch applicator of Lotrimin Ultra. The pen-like applicator allows you to apply the cream mess-free through a soft flexible tip. You will even be able to get to those hard-to-reach places, like in between the toes.

This prescription-strength, over-the-counter cream is effective for curing most forms of athlete’s foot within a week. It also provides effective relief from the itching and burning that often accompanies athlete’s foot. And, it’s easy to take along with you when you travel. Or, you can keep it in your gym bag, purse, or backpack if you need to reapply during the day.

Keep in Mind

This over-the-counter medication is not suitable for kids younger than 12 years old.

How We Selected the Best Athletes Foot Treatments

Athletes’ Foot can be uncomfortable, itchy, and frustrating to deal with, but it can usually be addressed with over-the-counter products. So, we set out to find the most effective Athletes Foot treatments on the market. To start, we talked with several experts in addition to thoroughly researching the best products on the market. Here is a closer look at some of the things we considered during our selection process.

• Effectiveness: When evaluating athletes foot treatments, the effectiveness of the product was at the top of our list. We considered how efficient each product was at curing the condition and providing relief from symptoms. 
• Active Ingredients: We also looked at the active ingredients of each treatment option we recommended. We wanted to ensure that the treatments contained ingredients that are proven to work at clearing fungal infections.
• Price and Accessibility: Almost everyone has a budget to consider and we wanted to ensure that the treatments we recommended were not only affordable but also readily available either online or at most major drug stores.
• Use: No matter how effective a treatment option is, if it’s not easy to use, it won’t be used consistently. For this reason, we considered the ease of use of each of the Athletes Foot treatments we recommended. Our goal was to provide product recommendations with a variety of application methods so that you could find one that fits your needs.

Our Experts

• Alan Bass, DPM, an American Podiatric Medical Association podiatrist
• Linda Stein Gold, MD, head of dermatology at Henry Ford Health System in West Bloomfield, Michigan
• Ami Sheth, DPM, podiatry specialist in Los Gatos, California
• Lauren Penzi, MD, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology: Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery
• David Li, MD, MBA, board-certified Harvard-trained dermatologist practicing general, cosmetic, and procedural dermatology in downtown Boston

Source The 12 Best Athlete Foot Treatments to Soothe Your Feet Published in Very Well Health

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