How to Get Rid of Athlete's Foot: 6 Tips to Try at Home

There are several effective ways to treat athlete's foot and get your feet healthy again.

1. Use Over-the-Counter Antifungal Medications

The most common way to treat athlete's foot is with antifungal creams, sprays, or powders you can buy at the pharmacy. These medicines work by killing the fungus that causes your infection. Apply these treatments directly to the affected area and continue using them for one week after your symptoms disappear.

2. Try Tea Tree Oil Treatment

Tea tree oil has natural antifungal properties that may help fight the infection. According to Healthline, you should mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil to create a 25% to 50% concentration. Apply this mixture to the affected area twice daily, but never use undiluted tea tree oil directly on your skin.

3. Apply Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide can help kill fungus on the surface of your foot and prevent bacterial infections. Pour it directly onto the affected area twice daily until the infection goes away. Note that it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have open wounds.

4. Use Antifungal Powder

Talcum powder or antifungal powder helps keep your feet dry and makes it difficult for fungus to grow. Apply powder to your dried feet every time before putting on socks. This method works well when combined with other treatments.

5. Take Prescription Medications

If over-the-counter treatments do not work after two weeks, see a doctor. They may prescribe stronger antifungal creams or oral medications like fluconazole, itraconazole, or terbinafine tablets that work from inside your body.

6. Keep Feet Dry and Clean

One of the most important steps in treatment is keeping your feet completely dry and clean. Wash your feet daily with soap and water, dry them thoroughly between the toes, and change your socks regularly. Fungus cannot survive in dry conditions.

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that affects the feet. The South African Family Practice Journal explains that this condition is "the single most common dermatophyte infection" caused by specific types of fungus that attack the skin. These fungi belong to three main groups: Microsporum, Epidermophyton, and Trichophyton.

Athlete's foot has several clear signs that help you identify the infection. The NHS explains that this condition affects different parts of your feet and can cause various uncomfortable symptoms. The main symptoms include:

- Itchy white patches between your toes, especially between the fourth and fifth toes

- Sore and flaky patches on your feet

- Red skin, though this redness may be less noticeable on brown or black skin

- Cracked skin that may bleed

- Fluid-filled blisters that can be very painful

- Bad smell from your feet

- Burning or stinging sensation in infected areas

There are four different types of athlete's foot infections. The most common type affects the space between your toes and causes scaling, cracking, and peeling skin. Other types can affect the bottom of your feet, causing thick, scaly skin or creating painful blisters and open sores.

Athlete's foot spreads when you come into contact with certain fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. You can catch this infection by walking barefoot in places where someone else has athlete's foot, such as changing rooms, showers, and swimming pool areas. The Cleveland Clinic notes that you can also get athlete's foot by touching the affected skin of someone who has the infection or by sharing towels, socks, or shoes.

You are more likely to develop athlete's foot if you have wet or sweaty feet, or if the skin on your feet is damaged. People with diabetes, obesity, or weakened immune systems have a higher risk of getting this infection. The fungus that causes athlete's foot can survive for very long periods in bathrooms, changing rooms, and around swimming pools.

Wearing tight shoes and socks that do not allow air to circulate creates the perfect environment for fungus to grow. Athletic shoes and sports equipment can also harbor these fungi, which is why the condition is called "athlete's foot."

Prevention is the best way to avoid getting athlete's foot or having it come back after treatment.

1. Practice Good Foot Hygiene

Wash your feet daily with soap and water, making sure to clean between your toes. Dry your feet completely, especially between the toes, before putting on socks and shoes. Use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly.

2. Wear Protective Footwear in Public Areas

Never walk barefoot in public pools, gym areas, locker rooms, and communal showers. According to Medical News Today, you should "wear sandals or waterproof shoes in public pools, showers, locker rooms, bathrooms, and other areas that get wet."

3. Choose the Right Socks and Shoes

Wear clean cotton socks every day and change them if your feet become sweaty. Choose shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet and avoid wearing the same pair of shoes for more than two to three days in a row. Let your shoes dry completely between uses.

4. Keep Feet Dry Throughout the Day

Use talcum powder or antifungal powder on your feet and inside your shoes to absorb moisture. If your feet get sweaty during the day, change your socks and try to let your feet air out when possible.

5. Do Not Share Personal Items

Never share towels, socks, shoes, or nail tools with other people. Wash your socks, towels, and bedding in hot water to kill any fungus that might be present.

6. Treat Feet After Swimming or Bathing

Dry your feet thoroughly after swimming or bathing and consider applying antifungal powder. If someone in your family has athlete's foot, clean the bathtub or shower with disinfectant after each use.

7. Replace Old Shoes and Socks

If you have had athlete's foot before, consider replacing old shoes that might still contain fungus. Use disinfecting sprays or wipes to clean the shoes you want to keep.

By following these treatment and prevention tips, you can successfully get rid of athlete's foot and keep your feet healthy. Remember that consistency is important. Continue the treatment even after symptoms disappear to prevent the infection from returning.