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quick athlete's Foot cure?

So I have athletes foot on my left foot that I have not been able to get rid of for a while. I have been using Tanactin cream and spray for about 2 weeks and there has not been any improvement. Are there any better solutions that work quick?

7 Answers

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  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Some tinea is harder to get rid of than others. If you have been treating this for 2 weeks, you should probably see a doctor. There are oral medications to take that will get rid of the stubborn infections. It is important that you get rid of this before it gets under your nails - that is REALLY hard to get rid of.

    In the meantime - tinea (athlete's foot, ringworm, crotchrot) is a fungus, not a bacterial infection. Tanactin and Lamasil are good medications for this. Betadine, Neosporin, etc. are not effective, since they work against bacteria, not fungus. You may have people recommend bleach - it will kill the fungi on the surface, but at the same time it kills skin cells. The dead skin cells give the fungi a place to hide. They continue to grow, but the medication can't reach them because their is a nice, thick layer of dead skin protecting them. Don't bleach!

    A study has been done that indicated that washing the infected area with Selsen Blue shampoo (used for dandruff) before applying the anti-fungal treatment seemed to speed healing. The idea is that the shampoo removes skin oils and dead skin cells, allowing the ointment better penetration. Use the ointment several times each day. Wash and dry your feet carefully at least once per day, treating with the ointment afterwards.

    Now comes the tricky part. Tinea is a fungus, so it has spoors. The spoors get on your clothes, on your sheets, on your carpet, your floors, etc. You need to clean everything! Wash sheets, towels, socks, etc. in the hottest possible water. Use bleach, if possible (no - not the colored towels and sheets, your mom will kill you. If you don't have white towels and sheets, just use hot water and detergent.) Anything that touches your feet needs to be kept separate from the rest of your laundry. So when you wash your feet, your dirty socks and the towel you use needs to go into a special laundry basket for washing - not mixed with your other clothes. At night, treat your feet and put on a pair of socks. Wear the socks while you sleep. That way you don't contaminate your sheets and you don't have to wash sheets every day. The towel that you use to dry your feet is used once - then it goes into the laundry to be washed again. Anything that touches your feet is cleaned daily - so you want to reduce the touching. Wear socks as much as possible.

    I know this sounds like a pain in the a$$, but the same fungus that is growing in the spaces between your toes will be just as happy on your face, or under your arms, or between your legs. Dry your feet on a towel, then use that same towel the next day to dry your body - welcome to the wonderful world of ringworm. It is really embarassing to try to figure out how to scratch your crotchrot while you are sitting in a classroom.

    Source(s): Twenty year wrestling coach. I deal with ringworm/athlete's foot EVERY year - kids just won't listen!
  • 1 decade ago

    Try this:

    1.Find out if you have athlete's foot or something else. Symptoms of athletes foot include itching and burning. Other symptoms are peeling of the skin, cracking, bleeding and pain.

    2.Examine your feet carefully. When looking for signs of athlete's foot pay special attention to in between the toes and the soles of your feet.

    3.If you see any skin that is red and peeling, or dry flakes on your feet and you are experiencing some of the above symptoms, you should begin treatment.

    4.Make sure that your feet are always dry and clean. You may want to purchase a powder that helps keep your feet dry at your local drugstore.

    5.Buy some anti-fungal creams and washes.

    Tips:

    •Keep your shoes on. When you are free of athlete's foot make sure you avoid walking barefoot especially in hot damp conditions, such as a locker room or swimming pools. Continue to keep your feet dry and clean. Disinfect any nail tools, shoes, socks, and anything else that may be infected. Make sure your feet can breath and wear mainly cotton socks.

    •Talk to a health care professional so you know exactly what you need to buy.

  • 1 decade ago

    A natural cure for athlete's feet is to soak your feet in 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 tablespoons of salt, and enough warm water to cover your feet. This method is cheap and as effective if not more so than the expensive creams and powders at the store/pharmacy.

  • No
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    Why don't you try Lamisil? It's supposed to be the best, and is what most doctors recommend.

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  • gib
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    NP27 from your Wal Mart or Drug Store.

    Source(s): me
  • 1 decade ago

    try Betadyne it is what they use to kill fungus and bacteria before they do surgery--you can buy at the drug store. make sure you use cotton socks

  • ...
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    pee on your leg/foot in the shower

    Urea in the pee is a great anti fungal liquid and great for dry legs

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