How to Cure Athelete's Foot

Athlete's foot is an infection caused by the fungus, Trichophyton, in the lower extremities. The fungus invades the skin cells and causes the skin to itch, crack and burn. If left untreated, Athlete's foot can turn into blisters and ulcers. Curing Athlete's foot is simple in most cases. Some cases of Athlete's foot can be cured by frequently cleaning the affected area, keeping it dry and free from moisture and heat. Some cases require other treatments to kill the fungus.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Water
• Clean towel
• Antifungal medication
• Tea tree oil (optional)
• Clean, cotton socks

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your feet thoroughly with water and antibacterial soap.

• 2

  Dry your feet well. Be sure to dry in between each toe.

• 3

  Apply an over-the-counter antifungal medication to the affected area in addition to 1 to 2 inches of the surrounding skin. Antifungal medicines come in a variety of forms including creams, liquids, sprays and powders. Purchase the form of medication that you prefer. An effective antifungal medication will contain terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole or miconazole. Use the medication for the length of time specified on the packaging. Athlete's foot may appear to be cured because your rash disappears, but the tissue below the skin may still be infected.

• 4

  Wash your hands after applying the medicine.

• 5

  Use an antifungal cream with hydrocortisone if your skin is extremely inflamed and itchy. You can also soak your feet in a tub of warm water with 10 drops of tea tree oil added to it. The tea tree oil will relieve your itchy skin and calm the irritation and swelling. Dry your feet well after soaking them for 20 minutes.

• 6

  Wear clean, cotton socks and change your shoes and socks regularly. You will need to keep your feet as dry as possible while you are treating Athlete's foot.