by Loralie Lynn

Created on: November 09, 2009

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that occurs in the feet and thrives in dark, warm, and moist environments. Those who have athlete's foot, tend to experience itchy, dry skin; scaly skin (hard, white patches of cracked skin), painful inflammation, and sometimes blistering. Athlete's foot is spread by contracting the fungus via floors, socks and shoes, and even bed sheets. It can also spread to other parts of your body through consistent itching. Here are some tips for finding relief from athlete's foot so that you can ease the pain and irritation associated with the fungus.

Try using an OTC (over-the-counter) topical anti-fungal treatment for athlete's foot. There are many OTC topical treatments for athlete's foot, including creams, sprays, and liquids. Topical anti-fungal solutions are put directly on the feet to soothe the infected area. Anti-fungal athlete's foot treatments contain miconazole, itraconazole, or terabafine which are all forms of antibiotics to cure athlete's foot. The only issue with using an OTC topical athlete's foot solution is that it can take up to 2 months to thoroughly cure the infection and should be used for at least 2 weeks after symptoms are gone.

Anti-fungal powders are another way to find relief from athlete's foot. To relieve athlete's foot with foot powders, simply sprinkle into socks and shoes before wearing. Cover the inside of these apparel completely including the toe area. Sprinkling anti-fungal foot powders directly on feet will also help to get relief from athlete's foot and keep feet dry to prevent spread of the fungus. Foot powders for athlete's foot can be used along with OTC topical treatments as well. Be sure to look for anti-fungal foot powder that contains the ingredients: miconazole, clotrimazole, or itraconazole for the most effective athlete's foot relief.

To find relief from athlete's foot, you can also use an aluminum acetate solution. Aluminum acetate solutions work to decrease the moisture in your feet to help heal the athlete's foot faster. Athlete's foot solutions such as Burrows solution or Domeboro's solution can easily be used by filling a medium sized pan with enough solution to cover your entire foot. Soak feet in the aluminum acetate solution for at least 20 minutes, or as indicated on the solution's directions. You'll start to feel relief from athlete's foot instantly. Do this routine twice a day for at least 2 weeks for maximum results.

Many believe athlete's foot can be cured by a few home remedies as well. While you are welcome to try whatever you like, know that these cures may not work for everyone, but have definitely worked for a few people I know:

Tree Tea Oil: Add a few drops of topical Tree Tea Oil to a foot bath and soak feet for 20 minutes.

Bleach: Add 1/2 cup of a bleach to a foot bath and soak for 10-15 minutes.

Mouthwash: Add 1/4 cup of mouthwash (Listerine works best) to a foot bath and soak feet for 15 minutes.

Epsom Salt: Sprinkle a few shakes of Epsom Salt into a foot bath and soak feet for 20 minutes.

Extra Tips:

* Prevent athlete's foot by: wearing flip flops in shower rooms, keeping feet dry at all times, going barefoot inside your home to get air to feet, changing socks daily or whenever dirty or wet, and do not share socks or shoes with others.

Learn more about this author, Loralie Lynn.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.