Sooner or later, every athlete deals with some type of foot problem—and the most common by far is, naturally, athlete's foot. Caused by a fungal infection, this condition presents as red, dry, and scaly skin between your toes, usually caused by itching or burning. It can be awfully uncomfortable, and stubbornly hard to shake. Thankfully, the best athlete’s foot treatments can help you get back on your feet sooner rather than later.
Of course, some treatments are more effective than others, making it hard to discern between different options. We took care of the hard part for you and researched an abundance of solutions to come up with a comprehensive list of the 8 best athlete’s foot treatments.
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The Best Athlete's Foot Treatment - Our Top Picks
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- Best Overall Athlete's Foot Treatment: Lotrimin Ultra 1 Week Athlete's Foot Treatment
- Best Cream for Athlete's Foot: Majestic Pure Athlete’s Foot Cream
- Best Powder for Athlete's Foot: Lotrimin AF Athlete’s Foot Antifungal Powder
- Best Foot Soak for Athlete's Foot: Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak w/ Epsom Salt
- Best Powder Spray for Athlete's Foot: Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
- Best Gel for Athlete's Foot: Triple Paste Athlete's Foot Antifungal Ointment
- Best Wipes for Athlete's Foot: Dr. Scholl's Instant Cool Athlete's Foot Treatment Wipes
- Best Natural Products for Athlete's Foot: Remedy Tea Tree 100% Organic Athlete’s Foot Cream
Best Overall Athlete's Foot Treatment - Lotrimin Ultra 1 Week Athlete's Foot Treatment
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Butenafine hydrochloride 1%
As far as prescription-strength antifungals go, Lotrimin Ultra 1 Week Athlete's Foot Treatment is our top recommendation. It's potent enough that many athletes find relief in as little as a week's time, and it can mitigate your itching and dryness almost immediately. Also note: This can be a good product to fight or prevent jock itch.
What We Like
- Fast-acting
- Almost immediate relief from itching
- Works well for jock itch
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you're looking for something natural
- Creams can be a bit uncomfortable during the day
BUY: Lotrimin Ultra 1 Week Athlete's Foot Treatment
Best Cream for Athlete's Foot - Majestic Pure Athlete’s Foot Cream
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Tea Tree Oil
Made with natural tea tree oil as its primary ingredient, Majestic Pure Athlete’s Foot Cream is a great way to ensure soft, healthy, moisturized skin. Spearmint oil and menthol are also included to soothe and deodorize. And if you’re looking for a more natural approach to remedying your athlete’s foot, tea tree oil is the way to go.
What We Like
- Natural ingredients
- Deodorizing
- Good value
What We Don't Like
- Only recommended for the feet
- Creams can be a bit uncomfortable during the day
BUY: Majestic Pure Athlete’s Foot Cream
Best Powder for Athlete's Foot - Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Antifungal Powder
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Miconazole Nitrate 2%
Powders tend to be your best bet for mitigating moisture, which means they're best applied in the morning before you don shoes and socks. Consider the Lotramin AF Athlete's Foot Antifungal Powder, clinically proven to remedy Athlete's foot and to provide your feet with some much-needed succor.
What We Like
- Naturally moisture-wicking
- Fast-acting
- This 3-pack offers great value
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you prefer something all-natural
- Powders only work if you're wearing shoes and socks for a while
BUY: Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Antifungal Powder
Best Foot Soak for Athlete's Foot - Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak w/ Epsom Salt
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Tea Tree Oil
If you've got some time to give your feet a good soak, this product, made with natural ingredients, is an outstanding option. Not only can it help to relieve athlete's foot and help soothe aching muscles, but it's also a great way to pamper yourself a bit.
What We Like
- Soothes muscles
- Natural ingredients
- Great way to show some self-love
What We Don't Like
- You'll need some time for a good soak
- Doesn't work quite as quickly as creams typically do
BUY: Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak w/ Epsom Salt
Best Powder Spray for Athlete's Foot - Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Miconazole Nitrate 2%
Powder sprays can offer the utmost in convenience. The Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Powder Spray provides fast, lasting relief for foot fungus, ringworm, jock itch, and beyond. It's also safe and effective for anyone over the age of two.
What We Like
- Easy, convenient application
- Fast relief
- Suitable for kids and teens
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you want all-natural ingredients
- The itching relief can wear off quicker than we'd like
BUY: Lotrimin AF Athlete's Foot Powder Spray
Best Gel for Athlete's Foot - Triple Paste Athlete's Foot Antifungal Ointment
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Miconazole Nitrate 2%
Gels can be a smart choice when you want long-lasting, moisture-resistant itch relief. We can vouch for the efficacy of this one, which is easy to apply on your feet or anywhere else you have fungal problems. The moisture-resistant nature makes this especially well-suited for wearing during workouts.
What We Like
- Easy, convenient application
- Moisture-resistant
- Great for use during workouts
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you want all-natural ingredients
- Pricier than other options
BUY: Triple Paste Athlete's Foot Antifungal Ointment
Best Wipes for Athlete's Foot - Dr. Scholl's Instant Cool Athlete's Foot Treatment Wipes
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Menthol
While wipes usually aren't the best way to arrive at a lasting remedy, they can be incredibly convenient when you need quick itch relief. These menthol-infused wipes offer a break from dry, cracked, irritated skin while providing you with an instant cooling effect.
What We Like
- Quick, cooling relief
- Convenient
- Inexpensive
What We Don't Like
- Not recommended if you want all-natural ingredients
- Not the most potent option for long-term relief
BUY: Dr. Scholl's Instant Cool Athlete's Foot Treatment Wipes
Best Natural Products for Athlete's Foot - Remedy Tea Tree 100% Organic Athlete’s Foot Cream
SPECS
- Active ingredients: Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil is universally recognized as the best essential oil for itch and fungus relief. This all-organic cream is the most effective option when you want something without any artificial or pharmaceutical ingredients.
What We Like
- All-natural
- Relief for itching and dryness
- Pleasant scent
What We Don't Like
- Creams can be uncomfortable during the day
- A little pricier than other options
BUY: Remedy Tea Tree 100% Organic Athlete’s Foot Cream
What to Look for in an Athlete's Foot Treatment
When selecting the most effective athlete's foot treatment, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind.
- Form. When it comes to the medium of your athlete's foot treatment, it's really just a matter of deciding what works best for you and your schedule. For instance, powders are naturally moisture-wicking, making them a smart option before you put on socks and shoes for the day. Creams can be uncomfortable during the day but work well for application at bedtime.
- Ingredients. For pharmaceutical remedies, we recommend seeking something with 1% terbinafine hydrochloride or 2% miconazole nitrate. For a natural remedy, tea tree oil is likely your best bet.
FAQs About Athlete's Foot Treatment
How long does it take an athlete's foot treatment to work?
If you use the treatment as directed, you should see results within two to four weeks, sometimes sooner. If you’re not getting relief by then, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor or a dermatologist.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. It can spread through contact with an infected person or a contaminated surface, such as a gym floor, shower floor, or towel.
How can I prevent athlete's foot?
Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool whenever possible, and air out your shoes every three or four days (switch to a different pair or opt for sandals).
Can you get rid of athlete's foot permanently?
If treated properly, you can ward off athlete’s foot for good. However, the best way to get rid of athlete’s foot permanently is to continue to maintain proper feet hygiene so that it doesn’t come back after you’ve treated it.
About the Author
Josh is a journalist and writer whose work has appeared in magazines and local newspapers such as Christianity Today, IMAGE Journal, Relevant Magazine, FLOOD, The Nashville Scene, True Tunes, Rise Up Daily, and Looking Closer with Jeffrey Overstreet. Josh is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
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