Over-the-Counter Treatments for Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of skin on the soles of the feet and between the toes. Many products are available over the counter to cure athlete's foot. Drugs such as clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF®),tolnaftate (Tinactin®), terbinafine (Lamisil®) and miconazole (Micatin®) can cure athlete's foot in 70-80% of people. But tolnaftate in the form of the powder and powder spray, is also effective in preventing athlete’s foot. Over-the-counter treatments are available in a variety of forms, including creams, lotions, powders and sprays. Start with an ointment, cream or liquid to get the infection under control. You may choose a powder if your condition is mild. Clotrimazole, tolnaftate, and miconazole products should be applied to clean dry feet twice daily for four weeks. Make sure to apply the product in between the toes. Terbinafine cures athlete's foot when applied twice daily for one to two weeks. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms don't improve or if they get worse. You may need treatment with a prescription antifungal medicine.

Sources: The Merck Manual of Medical Information: Home Edition. Merck & Co., 1997.Mayo Clinic Family Health Book. William Morrow & Co., 1996.Habif, Thomas. Clinical Dermatology. Mosby-Year Book Inc., 1996.Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. American Pharmaceutical Association, 2000.Hart, R. "Systematic Review of Topical Treatments for Fungal Infections of the Skin and Nails of the Feet," British Medical Journal 319 (1999). Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2007.Medline Plus. Medline, 2007.Diseases and Conditions, "Athlete's foot." http://www.mayoclinic.com Mayo Clinic Health. Last accessed 1/9/2007.This answer prepared 2/8/2001.This information updated 1/9/2007.