Help please- at the end of my tether with slathered foot

[BigButtons]

I think it started at the beginning of lockdown but I didn’t work out what it was until June.
There’s a small patch on my heel that is sore and raised.
My heels are generally sore.
They itch and burn.
I have tried these otc things: canestan, lamasil scholl spray. They worked for a while then it came back.
The GP first prescribed daktacort,(sp?) then now trimovate. Nothing has worked. In fact the leaflet on the last one said it shouldn’t be used on athletes foot as strong hydrocortisones can make of worse! It certainly feels worse.
GP says next step would be oral antifungals which could damage my liver!
I really don’t want to take them.
Please has anyone found another way to rid themselves of stubborn athletes foot?
Any tips? Natural remedies? Oils?
There is a canasten once one I will try today which has a different active ingredient.
The itching and burning is driving me loopy.
Thanks( in desperation)

[BigButtons]

Anyone please?

[Miljea]

Post a photo. Seriously. Better than a description.

[InTheLongGrass]

Athletes foot? Tea tree oil. Dry your feet with a hairdryer (on a coolish setting!) after a bath/shower, and then put tea tree oil - the strong stuff - on. It's the only thing that clears mine, although on your heel, getting it dry shouldnt be too much of an issue. Vicks is also said to work on fungal nails, that might be better to apply to a heel.

[DrFoxtrot]

I'm not sure what you mean by slathered. If the topical antifungals worked briefly, it's worth giving the oral a go, there is a small risk with them, but the vast majority of people have no problems. And the GP should check your blood tests if you're on them for a few months.

[FindMeInTheSunshine]

Is slathered an autocorrect fail for athletes?!

[Paperdolly]

💐. Hope this will help. Take care 🤗

[balzamico]

Have you seen a chiropodist rather than your GP? You do have to pay but it's not a huge amount and they have the greater expertise

[Okbutnotgreat]

Just take the oral medication, I’ve had 2 courses over the years and no issues. Your gp will do blood tests to check liver function and the majority of people will have no problems.

[Wallywobbles]

Ideally it would be best to have the fungus grown and identified in the lab 🧫. And be prescribed the right molecule for the job. Or so my DH tells me.

[Nat6999]

Soak your feet in hot water with salt & tea tree oil. Dry well then put your cream on, get lots of air around your feet, no socks, only put shoes or slippers on if you have to.

[PandemicPalava]

Apple cider vinegar is supposed to cure everything! I've seen good things about it's use on feet

[blackcat86]

All that works for me is lamisil once rather than the sprays you use daily

[Fluffycloudland77]

Do not soak your feet, there is no need. Humans evolved feet without bowls of hot water readily and nothing dropped off.

A lot of drugs can damage the liver. If they were actually dangerous they wouldn’t be on the market.

Has the dr actually seen the heel?.

[BigButtons]

Thanks
There is nothing to see as such. The skin looks ok apart from a tiny red patch. But the itching and burning keeps me awake at night.
I wish I could see the GP in person but round here atm you count yourself very lucky to get a telephone appointment and they take 3 weeks to get. Face to face is nigh on impossible unless you’re on your last legs.

I am trying tea tree oil and I must say there is a slight improvement. I am applying it neat 3 times a day.

[dooratheexplorer]

Keep going with the tea tree oil. It's magical stuff.

However, I would fill a bowl with water, add about five drops and soak your feet for ten minutes or so. Dry your feet off then soak a cotton wool ball in water, add a couple of drops of tea tree and dab it on your feet. Keep repeating.

I've managed to get rid of verrucas with it.

[AnnaMagnani]

Go and see a chiropodist.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Have you ever been tested for diabetes?.

[BigButtons]

@Fluffycloudland77 yes as part of a routine blood test years ago. Negative. I am not a large person.
I think it all kicked off during lockdown when I did lots of walking- about 20 plus miles a week- to break up the days.
It’s got ingrained I think. Had I treated it early on I wouldn’t be in this pickle.

[BigButtons]

@dooratheexplorer thank you for the tip.
Going to get some medicated food powder today so that I can treat my shoes and keep my feet dry in socks as well.

[DrFoxtrot]

I had a stubborn itchy toe and used Lush T for Toes powder which sorted it out in no time.

You could try something like this before tablets.

uk.lush.com/products/foot-care/t-toes