How to Treat Athlete's Foot

How to Treat Athlete's Foot thumbnail
Treat Athlete's Foot

Several over-the-counter remedies can help cure athlete's foot. Once you have successfully treated it, be diligent in trying to prevent it from returning.

Things You'll Need

  • Gauze
  • Astringent
  • Antifungal powders
  • Antifungal creams
  • Cotton swabs
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Instructions

    • 1

      Apply a topical antifungal ointment such as miconazole or clotrimazole 2 to 3 times a day. Reapply after showering and before going to bed.

    • 2

      Dry carefully between each toe whenever your feet get wet. Consider using a hair dryer set on low to thoroughly dry your feet.

    • 3

      Place cotton balls between your toes at night if your feet perspire excessively when you sleep.

    • 4

      Avoid harsh soaps, especially deodorant soaps.

    • 5

      Sprinkle an antifungal powder containing miconazole or clotrimazole into your shoes when you plan to wear your shoes for several hours.

    • 6

      Pour a small amount of astringent onto a piece of gauze and wipe the crusty areas on your feet and between your toes. Then let the gauze sit on the crusty spots for a few minutes. The astringent will draw more moisture from your foot.

    • 7

      Go barefoot as much as possible during the acute phase of athlete's foot.

    • 8

      Ask your doctor for a prescription of oral griseofulvin for athlete's foot that spreads or will not go away.

Tips & Warnings

  • Within 7 to 10 days of using the over-the-counter antifungal creams, you should begin to see some improvement. If not, visit your doctor.

  • See How To Prevent Athlete's Foot for additional guidelines.

  • If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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