It starts with cracking and peeling in the tender skin between your toes that itches. Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, might spread to the soles and sides of your feet, causing dry, scaly skin and redness. This fungal infection can be efficiently nipped in the bud when caught in its early stages; however, the American Academy of Dermatology advises first seeing your doctor before using home remedies to cure athlete's foot.
Drugstore Topicals
If your case of athlete's foot is mild, your doctor is likely to recommend over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, sprays or powders. The Mayo Clinic states that products with the medications clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine or tolnaftate are probably your best bet. Apply these in a thin layer after washing and drying you feet well or according to the label's instructions. The National Institutes of Health states that you need to use these for two weeks after symptoms of athlete's foot go away.
Natural Cures
Dr. Andrew Weil, integrative physician, says that using tea tree oil is just as effective as commercial products made to treat athlete's foot. He advises applying a light layer of the oil to the affected area two to three times daily and for two additional weeks after your symptoms go away. You can purchase 100 percent tea tree oil at most natural food markets. Alternately, Weil says you can try grapefruit seed extract and use it in the same way.
Hygiene
Let your feet get a little fresh air, Weil advises. Wear open-toed shoes if you can, and change out of damp or sweat-saturated socks as soon as you can. Preventing recurrence of athlete's foot is an important part of your cure, as it can return. If you walk in damp public areas such as locker rooms, wear flip-flops. Toss out old gym shoes, and never borrow anyone else's footwear.
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