Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is a common fungal skin infection that can occur on any part of the foot but most commonly happens in the spaces between the toes. Symptoms include red, swollen, peeling, and itchy skin in the affected areas, as well as blisters in severe cases.

Athlete’s foot won’t usually go away without treatment. Although numerous well-known home remedies claim to treat athlete’s foot, only a few have research backing them up.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Antifungal Products

You can easily find antifungal products for athlete’s foot in the supermarket or drug store. You can choose from sprays, powders, or creams. Effective active ingredients include:

• Clotrimazole
• Miconazole
• Tolnaftate

You will need to use these products consistently to clear up athlete’s foot and continue to use them for several weeks after the infection has cleared. Otherwise, it may return.

2. Vinegar

Although studies on the use of vinegar to cure athlete’s foot are lacking, research has shown that apple cider vinegar has a strong antimicrobial effect against fungi. This ability to prevent or inhibit fungal growth is believed to come from the organic acids and other plant compounds present in apple cider vinegar.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has long been used to treat skin infections, but no solid evidence supports that it can cure athlete’s foot. An older study found that a 10% tea tree oil cream was not nearly as effective as the antifungal drug Tinactin (tolnaftate) and no more effective than a placebo (inactive) cream in curing athlete’s foot in a month.

A more recent study found that adding tea tree oil to the antifungal drug ketoconazole in a gel formula could increase the drug’s effectiveness in fighting fungal infections.

4. Vick’s VapoRub

Limited research supports that Vick’s VapoRub, an over-the-counter (OTC) ointment to relieve coughing symptoms, can help to relieve athlete’s foot. An older study found that Vick’s VapoRub applied once daily was effective in treating toenail fungus, which is commonly linked with athlete’s foot.

Vick’s VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil, which studies have shown can be an effective treatment for toenail fungus when applied topically (to the skin). Vick’s VapoRub also contains menthol, which is known to have antifungal properties.

5. Listerine

Although a Listerine foot soak is a well-known home remedy for athlete’s foot, no studies back its effectiveness. Listerine contains thymol, an essential oil with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. Baking Soda

Baking soda may inhibit the growth of certain types of fungi that cause skin infections. However, no studies have shown that it works specifically as a remedy for athlete’s foot.

7. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl alcohol 70%) is an antiseptic commonly applied to reduce the risk of contamination in medical settings. Rubbing alcohol has both antifungal and antibacterial properties. Although there is anecdotal evidence rubbing alcohol can help cure athlete’s foot, no scientific evidence backs up those claims.

8. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to fight a wide range of ailments, including bacterial and fungal infections.

A 2024 study found that coconut oil taken orally had a strong therapeutic effect on certain fungi that cause athlete’s foot and could provide a safe and effective alternative to clinical antifungal medications.

9. Neem Oil

Research has shown that neem oil can stop the growth of certain types of fungi that affect the skin. Extract from neem leaves had an even stronger antifungal effect than those from neem seeds.

10. Talcum Powder

Talc-based powders (along with starch-based powders) can help minimize friction between the toes but are of better use keeping the skin dry and preventing athlete’s foot than treating it.

Ways to Manage and Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Practicing good foot hygiene can help both manage and prevent athlete’s foot. Steps you can take include:

• Change your shoes and socks regularly.
• Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly afterward.
• Keep your toenails clean and short.
• Check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, and other signs of infection.
• Don’t share socks, shoes, or towels.
• Wear footwear in public places, especially showers and pool areas.
• Only visit nail salons that are clean, sterilize equipment after every use, and are licensed by your state cosmetology board.

How to Make a Warm Foot Soak

Foot soaks are typically made by adding Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) or other soothing products to a basin of warm water. Although Epsom salt won’t kill the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, it can help draw out moisture that fungus needs to thrive.

To make a warm foot soak:

• Fill a basin with warm water.
• Add half or three-quarters of a cup of Epsom salt to the water.
• Place the feet in the soak for about 20 to 30 minutes.
• Dry the feet thoroughly when finished.

When to Contact a Healthcare Provider

You should contact a healthcare provider if home or OTC remedies aren’t getting rid of your athlete’s foot. If you have diabetes or are prone to skin infections, you should see a healthcare provider right away if any type of rash or sore develops on your feet.

Summary

Athlete’s foot is a common condition. It rarely goes away on its own and can worsen without treatment. Although there are many well-known remedies for athlete’s foot, only a few are backed up by solid research. You should always contact a healthcare provider if you have athlete’s foot that’s worsening or not improving or if you have diabetes.