Cures for Athlete's Foot

Overview

Athlete's foot, also referred to as tinea pedis in medicine, is a common fungal infection. It can be treated with natural home remedies, over-the-counter medications and prescription drugs. This infection can spread to others and can be recurrent. Treating it and preventing the infection from returning are possible with a few changes to the way you treat your feet.

Symptoms

A number of uncomfortable symptoms can identify athlete's foot. You may have extremely dry, cracking and itchy skin on your feet. This can lead to blisters, peeling and burning from excessive deterioration of the skin and from scratching. The infection can even get into the nails making them turn an abnormal color and appear to be deteriorated. In the most severe cases, you can experience a fever, swelling in the feet or a red rash that could be warm to the touch.

Prevention

The fungus that causes this infection is like any other fungus; it prefers warm, dark and wet places to live. Your feet are often in perfect fungus growing conditions. Wet socks and warm shoes can be a breeding ground for athlete's foot. The common name, athlete's foot, was applied to tinea pedis because it often occurs in individuals who are active in sports or other physical activities. Athletes are likely to sweat in their shoes and socks for extended periods. This is especially true for young active children. The infection is contagious and can be spread easily both from skin-to-skin contact and from shared objects or places. It is surprising to note that nearly anything that touches the fungus can transmit it to another person. Reducing the moisture around your feet, wearing shower shoes at public showers and spending a few extra minutes drying your feet after a shower can prevent athlete's foot. Avoid contact with items that someone you know has touched with his feet if he has athlete's foot. Anti-fungal powder or drying powder can be dumped into socks and shoes to minimize moisture and the fungus as well.

Home Remedies

You can treat tinea pedis at home. Soak your feet in Epsom salt with vinegar to help fight the infection and soothe your skin. Add cornstarch to your sock and shoes to absorb moisture. Baking soda can also be used in this manner or it can be mixed with water and applied as a topical paste onto the affected areas. Finally, rub tea tree oil to the affected areas to fight the fungus. Opt for socks made of natural materials like cotton or hemp. Go without shoes or socks as much as possible to prevent the infection from reappearing. While you are suffering from this infection, it is best to wear some sort of foot protection to prevent spreading the fungus elsewhere.

Over-The-Counter Medication

A number of anti-fungal products can be purchased over-the-counter (OTC). These are applied to the foot directly. Choose from lotions, sprays and powders when selecting your anti-fungal medication. Some choices include Lotrimin AF, Mycelex and Lamisil. If you follow the medication's instructions, you should see an end to your itching feet. Unless stated differently on the package, use the product for 3 to 4 weeks. If you are still suffering, then see your doctor for a prescription-strength medication.

Prescription Treatment

Stubborn athlete's foot can also be treated with a prescription topical product or oral medication. Lamisil, Lotrimin and MonistatDerm are three common topical treatments. In severe cases of tinea pedis, an oral medication may be prescribed. Diflucan and Lamisil are two common pills used to treat the infection. In addition to these medications, your doctor may prescribe other procedures for taking care of your feet. These directions may include soaking your feet in Epsom salt, applying vinegar and changing your socks often.