The 12 Best Athlete's Foot Treatments of 2024 - Verywell Health

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 a variety of different 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.

Types of Athlete's Foot Treatments

Common active ingredients in athlete's foot treatments include terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, and tolnaftate. David Li, MD, MBA, a board-certified Harvard-trained dermatologist practicing general, cosmetic, and procedural dermatology in downtown Boston recommends terbinafine because it kills fungi whereas other ingredients may just stop the growth. Meanwhile, products with tolnaftate can prevent athlete's foot from developing and those that contain clotrimazole and miconazole are most potent for yeast-based fungi, he says.

In terms of the formulation of your treatment, Dr. 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 and When to See a Healthcare Provider

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. 

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. 

Dr. 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.

Walgreens

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.

Amazon

Key Specs

Form: Gel | Size: 0.42 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tolnaftate, ceramides, aloe, vitamin E

Why We Recommend It

This five-in-one treatment contains tolnaftate to clear up mild to moderate cases of fungus as well as to prevent flare-ups. We love that it contains aloe to relieve itching and burning as well as ceramides and vitamin E to nourish skin. The result is soft skin that's clear of fungus.

This option also contains essential oils to deodorize smelly feet naturally. Plus, the gel is dispensed through a no-touch applicator to avoid mess, and it's approved for use on children over two years old. If you don't like the idea of a gel, it is also available in a spray or a foot soak.

Keep in Mind

While research indicates that tolnaftate is effective at clearing up mild to moderate cases of athlete's foot, it is not as effective as our top pick, which contains terbinafine hydrochloride.

Amazon

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.

Amazon

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.

Walmart

Pros

• Helps prevent recurrence

• Does not easily rub off

• Odorless formula

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.

Courtesy of Amazon

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.

Amazon

Pros

• Exfoliates and softens skin

• Deodorizes smelly feet

• Alcohol-free, no-touch formulation

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.

Amazon

Pros

• Removes fungus from the skin's surface

• Helps refresh and deodorize skin

• Contains top-notch ingredients

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.

Amazon

Key Specs

Form: Balm | Size: 2 ounces | Active Ingredients: Tea tree oil

Why We Recommend It

This TruRemedy Tea Tree Oil foot balm is made from organic tea tree oil, eucalyptus, and lavender essential oils that soothe itching, and burning feet. 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. It is also gluten-free and fragrance-free and is rich with omega 3, 6, 7, and 9 as well as vitamin E and vitamin C. And, it works to alleviate odors from feet and toes that are infected with athlete's foot.