Soothe Irritated Feet From Athlete's Foot with These 9 Top-Rated, Over-the-Counter Treatments (2024)

Soothe Irritated Feet From Athlete's Foot with These 9 Top-Rated, Over-the-Counter Treatments (1)

Athlete’s foot is notorious for causing itchiness, burning, cracking, and peeling skin between the toes and on the bottoms of your feet. These symptoms can often make it uncomfortable to walk or go about your day. To make matters worse, this condition doesn’t resolve on its own. Fortunately, you can quickly and effectively treat athlete's foot with several different over-the-counter medications.

To help remedy fungal infections, we researched dozens of athlete's foot treatments and evaluated them for their effectiveness, price, accessibility, active ingredients, and application type. The result is a roundup of remedies in every form available. From gels, creams, and powders to sprays, foot soaks, and wipes, you will find what you need to address this painful, itchy condition. Here’s what you need to know about athlete’s foot and the best ways to treat it.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis or foot ringworm) is a fungal infection that impacts the feet. Caused by various fungi, athlete’s foot can impact any part of your foot but is most commonly found in the spaces between the toes. It is also not uncommon for people with athlete’s foot to have skin fissures or scales that can be red and itchy. Athlete’s foot is most common in men and older people and impacts 3% to 15% of the population.

Ingredients in Athlete's Foot Treatments

Common active ingredients in athlete's foot treatments include:

  • Terbinafine: This is an antifungal medication used to treat infections caused by fungus, such as athlete's foot, jock itch, and ringworm.
  • Clotrimazole: This antifungal treats infections by stopping the growth of fungus on the skin. It treats conditions such as athlete's foot, diaper rash, ringworm, oral thrush, and vaginal yeast infections.
  • Miconazole: Commonly seen in popular vaginal yeast infection treatments such as Monistat, this antifungal treats fungus and yeast infections on the skin.
  • Tolnaftate: David Li, MD, MBA, a board-certified Harvard-trained dermatologist practicing general, cosmetic, and procedural dermatology in downtown Boston, recommends terbinafine because itkills fungi,whereas other ingredients may just stop the growth. Meanwhile, products with tolnaftate can prevent athlete’s foot from developing, he says.

What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

  • Types of treatments: In terms of the formulation of your treatment, Li suggests that creams offer deep penetration, fast absorption, and long-lasting relief. Meanwhile, powders and powder-based sprays are good for wicking away moisture and are easy to wear during the day.
  • Safety: Even though athlete’s foot medications are sold over-the-counter, this does not mean they are safe for everyone. For instance, some medications are not safe to use in pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Meanwhile, others can interact with your medications.
  • When to see a healthcare provider: Most experts recommend seeing a healthcare provider when your athlete’s foot has failed to respond to over-the-counter treatments after about three to four weeks. You also should see a medical professional if you have signs of an infection (such as fever, chills, discharge, or red streaks) or other complications.Li cautions that athlete’s foot can be associated with lower-extremity skin infections in people with diabetes or those who are more elderly and have baseline leg swelling. In these situations, it's imperative to get treated sooner rather than later.

Our Top Picks

In This Article

  • What Is Athlete’s Foot?

  • Ingredients in Athlete's Foot Treatments

  • What Healthcare Providers Want You to Know

  • Our Picks

  • How We Selected

  • Our Experts

  • FAQ

  • Why Trust Verywell Health

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 It

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.

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: 2.5 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

If you prefer a treatment that neutralizes odor, we also recommend Kerasal 5-in-1 Gel for children. It contains essential oils to deodorize smelly feet naturally and comes with a no-touch applicator to avoid mess. But If you don’t like the idea of a gel, it is also available in a spray or a foot soak.

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.

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: Cream | 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 cream 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.

If cream feels a bit too messy for you, however, we also recommend TruRemedy Tea Tree Oil foot balm, which is made from organic tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils. 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.

Keep in Mind

Because this treatment 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.

How We Selected the Best Athlete’s Foot Treatments

Athlete’s 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 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 athlete’s 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.
  • 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 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, a retired 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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long does it take for an athlete's foot treatment to work?

    Most treatment options offer immediate relief from itching and burning. However, it can take a week or two before the infection starts to clear and up to four weeks for it to resolve completely.

  • How effective are athlete’s foot remedies?

    Although athlete’s foot rarely goes away on its own, most cases are treatable with an over-the-counter cream, spray, or powder. Just be sure to use your chosen treatment method as directed and to keep your feet clean and dry.

  • Is athlete’s foot contagious?

    Because athlete’s foot is a fungus, it can spread easily from person to person, says Linda Stein Gold, MD, head of dermatology at Henry Ford Health System in West Bloomfield, Michigan. If you have the condition, you will need to avoid sharing shoes, socks, slippers, and towels and also wear socks or slippers in the house to avoid spreading it.

  • How can I prevent athlete's foot?

    The best way to prevent athlete’s foot is to keep your feet clean and dry, says Ami Sheth, MD, a podiatry specialist in Los Gatos, California. Aside from regular bathing and drying your feet after, this also means wearing clean socks every day and airing out your shoes in the sun if they are particularly sweaty or damp.

  • What is the strongest treatment for athlete’s foot?

    Athlete’s foot is usually treated with topical allylamines (naftifine and terbinafine), topical azoles (clotrimazole, miconazole nitrate, tioconazole, sulconazole nitrate, and econazole nitrate) and topical ciclopirox olamine. Research shows that topical allylamines have fewer treatment failures compared to others, but there is not one treatment that is more effective than another.

Why Trust Verywell Health

Sherri Gordon, CLC, is an author and journalist who covers health and social issues and has a passion for connecting people with the right products to address their medical needs and concerns. Through careful research, Sherri developed a comprehensive list of options to treat athlete’s foot so you could make an informed decision and find the relief you need.

Soothe Irritated Feet From Athlete's Foot with These 9 Top-Rated, Over-the-Counter Treatments (2024)
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