Cures for athletes foot please!

[Dahlia]

I have had athletes foot for a few weeks now, doctor gave me canasten cream which has helped but not got rid of it. I really can't be bothered to go back to the doctors, so does anyone know of an effective over the counter remedy?

[WideWebWitch]

Hi Dahlia, the Mycota spray seems to work for me. Revolting isn't it, athletes foot? Beware though, it smells extremely strong and so spray it on outside or near an open window and, if pos, put socks on straight away to contain the smell. Or keep your feet off the ground to let it dry at least. I know the advice is to keep feet out of socks and stuff but when you smell this stuff you might want them on. Much sympathy.

[Tissy]

Try rubbing tea tree oil into the area! The smell isn't bad, so you could then leave your socks off!

[StuartC]

IME athletes foot will always return unless habits are changed.
Immediately you come home from work remove shoes and socks, tights, etc.
If you can't remain barefoot in your house, then open-toed slippers are the next best thing.
Get as much air to the toes as possible, for as many hours as possible.
When the creams (Daktarin is good) sprays, etc have done their work maintain this bare-toed routine.
After a while you will forget to do this and the athletes foot will return very quickly.

[florenceuk]

Lamisil works very well for me - can get it over the counter now

[janh]

We've used Daktarin successfully too and I would add to Stuart's advice, wash and dry very carefully between your toes, morning and night, and in between if poss if you are wearing tights during the day. (Using talc helps with the drying, or that athlete's foot powder you can get.)

[Dahlia]

Thanks everyone - have tried daktarin but didn't work, and seeing as the only shoes I can wear at the moment are flip flops I haven't worn socks for about 3 months! Will try your suggestion first www and take it from there.

[gingernut]

I've had persistent athlete's foot for years. As mentioned by florenceuk, the only thing that works for me is Lamisil (terbinafine). The imidazole antifungals (canesten, daktarin etc.) aren't much good for athlete's foot as they only supress the fungal growth, whereas terbinafine actually kills the fungus. Mycota and Mycil are quite good but not as effective as Lamisil (believe me, I've tried them all!!!!!).

[gingernut]

PS dietary changes might help too - unfortunately this means cutting down on sugary foods and caffeine (fungi thrive if you have high blood sugar ... yum yum).

[boyandgirl]

Dahlia - this is a bit disgusting, but try peeing on your feet. It's an old folk remedy, but it does work (I know because I tried it in desperation!).

[Tissy]

It might be a little less messy to pee in a bowl and then put your feet in it

[princesspeahead]

my dh had terrible athelete's foot which the cream didn't shift - he then used powder and it disappeared very quickly. I think the powder is more drying etc and therefore more effective?

[boyandgirl]

In the shower, Tissy.