Remove Shoe Odor for Good

Remove Shoe Odor for Good

If you have excessive foot odor, it is important to see a doctor as it may indicate a serious issue like athlete’s foot, which is caused by a fungal infection, or hyperhidrosis, a disease that causes excessive sweating of the feet and hands.

Once these conditions have been ruled out or eliminated, you will want to clean your shoes to remove the odor. Don’t throw away those sweaty shoes. Give some home remedies a shot to wipe out any foul odors.

Remove Shoe Odor for GoodKeep Your Feet Clean

It may seem obvious, but an odor-free shoe starts with an odor-free foot. Feet generally start to smell after they have been perspiring. This sweat can combine with bacteria, and that’s what causes the odor.

Dry, clean feet won’t sweat as much and won’t build up as much bacteria. This will eliminate bad odors. Make sure you are washing your feet every day using soap and hot water. Also, make sure that you are thoroughly drying your feet when you are done. Pay special attention to the skin between the toes.

Give Your Feet a Soak

In addition to keeping your feet thoroughly clean, spoil them once a week with a foot soak. Not only will it ease your tired feet, it will also help to prevent foot odor. Mix warm water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda or 1/2 cup of vinegar. Then, fill your bathtub or basin with the mixture. Let your feet soak for about fifteen to twenty minutes. These soaks make the skin more acidic, which makes them an unpleasant environment for the fungi and bacteria that make feet stink.

Remove Shoe Odor for GoodDry Your Shoes

Fungi and bacteria love moist, dark, and warm places, like the insides of your shoes. Thus, you want to clean as much bacteria and fungi as you can from your shoes. The best way to do this is to keep your footwear dry. Do not wear the same shoes for more than two days in a row, because your shoes will likely need a full day to completely dry. If the insoles come out, remove them when you’re drying the shoes. Finally, if your shoes get damp, air them out in the sun or put them in the dryer. Sprinkling talcum powder or cornstarch over your dried toes and feet can also absorb dampness. Before and after wearing your shoes, dust a little of the powder into them as well.

Change Your Socks

Another simple step is to put on new socks if they become damp. This may mean switching socks a couple of times each day. You’ll also want to make sure that you are buying socks made out of natural fabrics like hemp, wool, or cotton as these will encourage air circulation over the feet. These fabrics will also absorb moisture better than socks made out of synthetic fibers.

Disguise the Smell

When all else fails, deodorize your shoes to give them a more pleasant scent. Sprinkle plant leaves (dry or fresh) into shoes as they’re drying out. Herbs like rosemary, lavender, and sage all have strong scents that can hide unpleasant odors. Essential oils are also good for deodorizing your shoes and won’t irritate your skin, like synthetic sprays might. Patchouli or clove can be poured onto a cotton ball and placed onto waxed paper or plastic wrap to stop the oil from coloring your shoes. Keep the balls in your shoes until you wear them again.

Home Remedies for Itching Feet

Home Remedies for Soothing Itching Feet

While chronic diseases and other factors can make feet itch, the most common reasons for itchy feet are that they are too moist, or, conversely, too dry. These issues are easy to solve with home remedies.

However, you should note that there are times when you will need to call your general care physician or podiatrist. Painful blisters or skin that is smelly, scaly, red, or severely cracked should be cause for concern. Additionally, if you are showing symptoms of a fungal infection, like athlete’s foot, you will also want to visit your physician as these sorts of infections can turn into more serious bacterial infections.

Usually, though, itchy feet can be cured at home with a few simple ingredients.

Home Remedies for Soothing Itching FeetWalnut Hulls

There are many walnut hull recipes that can help you put together a moisturizer to alleviate the itching associated with dry feet. One such recipe is to mix together a cup of water and a teaspoon of ground walnut hulls. Simmer in a saucepan at medium heat for half an hour. After that, pour the mixture through a mesh sieve to strain it. While it’s still warm, pour half of a cup on your feet. Then, dry them with a towel, preferably an old one as the mixture may stain. Add eucalyptus oil (5 drops), tea tree oil (10 drops), and calendula oil (3 tablespoons) to the remaining liquid. You should then massage your feet with the mixture.

Please note, walnut hulls have not been approved by the FDA to treat athlete’s foot.

Saltwater

A saltwater soak can sometimes alleviate irritation and stop itching. You should mix salt (2 teaspoons) with warm water (2 cups). Pour the liquid into a tub and soak your feet for five to ten minutes. You can soak feet once an hour until the itching eases. Again, please note that the FDA has not approved saltwater as a treatment option for fungal infections.

Baking Soda

Home Remedies for Soothing Itching FeetA baking soda paste has also been known to help stop the discomfort and burning associated with itchy feet. To make the paste, add one tablespoon of baking soda to two to three teaspoons of water. Stir the mixture until it turns into a paste.Wipe the paste over the feet and make sure you saturate each part of your foot, especially the skin in between your toes. Let the paste dry for five to ten minutes. Then, put your feet under cool water to rinse off the paste. Dry your feet with a towel. Then, dust your feet with cornstarch to remove any lingering moisture. Fungi love damp feet, so you want to make sure that you’re keeping yours cool and dry to avoid further fungal infections.

As with all of the remedies discussed here, the FDA has not approved baking soda as a treatment for fungal foot infections. However, it will give you temporary relief from itching.

If the itching continues, or if the problem worsens, it is important to see your doctor right away as the condition may transform into something more serious, like a bacterial infection.

When You Need to Talk to a Doctor About Cracked Feet

When You Need to Talk to a Doctor About Cracked Feet

Everyone wants to have healthy and smooth feet, because they feel good and look fantastic. However, many have to deal with dry, cracked skin that at best, doesn’t look very good. It can be itchy or painful. The heels are particularly prone to this issue.

When this is a problem, you may not wear those cute sandals that you bought for the summer. Most of the time you can treat dry, cracked heels from the comfort of your own home, using supplies that you already have. However, there are times when you may need to see a podiatrist.

Why Do Heels Crack?When You Need to Talk to a Doctor About Cracked Feet

While our toes and heels crack most often, irritating cracks can occur anywhere on the feet. Sometimes, the cracks can be so painful that it is difficult to walk. Often, calluses may lead to these cracks because they have made the skin hard and thick. Once the skin is tough, then simply walking can split the area of the skin around the calluses.

One cause of calluses are shoes that are too tight. If the shoes don’t fit properly, your foot may become irritated where the shoe is rubbing against the skin. Calluses may also form if you often walk barefoot outside. If the calluses get thick enough, the skin is likely to crack. Being overweight, wearing shoes like flip flops, or standing for a long time can also make heels crack.

Those with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, thyroid problems, or diabetes are also at a higher risk for cracked heels due to poor circulation in the lower extremities. If you suffer from one of these conditions, it is important to speak with your doctor if you are having  issues with your feet.When You Need to Talk to a Doctor About Cracked Feet

Treating Cracked Heels at Home

Usually, you can treat cracked skin at home and you’ll be healed quickly. A simple treatment is to put a thick coat of lotion on the surface of your feet. Make sure you really moisturize your toes and heels. Put on socks in a natural fiber like cotton or wool, so the lotion can stay on your skin instead of the bedsheets.

When you take a bath or shower the next morning, gently rub off the dead skin with a file or pumice stone. Before you know it, your feet will already start to look and feel better. If your feet are not improving, or if they are getting worse, it is time to call your doctor.

When to See a Specialist

There are a few times when you may need to call a podiatrist. Older people who get severe cracks should call a doctor immediately as these cracks may quickly transform into bedsores or ulcers. If you have an autoimmune disorder like HIV or diabetes, you will also want to contact a physician right away. Finally, if you are a healthy person, but the cracks don’t go away after an attempt at a home treatment, it is time to see a podiatrist.

7 Steps for Ridding Yourself of Dry Feet

7 Steps for Ridding Yourself of Dry Feet

Don’t be ashamed. Scaly, dry, cracked feet plague many. Our feet are one of the most abused parts of our body. First, they are out in the elements, including wet mud puddles and a dry, baking sun. They also hold up our body as we walk or run. They’re busy!

A way to thank your feet for doing so much for you means that not only is it important to keep your feet in good shape so you look good in those new shoes, it is important for preventing fungal infections, like athlete’s foot. If the skin on your feet is cracked, you are leaving openings for yeasts or fungi to enter your skin.

7 Steps for Ridding Yourself of Dry FeetBefore undertaking this regiment, though, it is very important to contact your doctor if you are diabetic. Due to poor circulation to the lower extremities, diabetics are more likely to contract dangerous forms of fungal infections. Thus, treating foot conditions and dry skin should be done under the care of your physician.

Now let’s discuss what you need to get rid of dry feet. You probably already have most of it at home.

Items needed:

  • Wool or cotton socks
  • Towel
  • Pumice stone
  • Foot lotion
  • Something in which to soak your feet

Step 1: 

Before bed, put your feet in a tub of warm water and allow them to soak for 20 minutes. This will make the skin soft.

7 Steps for Ridding Yourself of Dry FeetStep 2: 

A pumice stone is a piece of porous rock that can be found in most beauty supply or drugstores. Using a pumice stone, rub the dead skin off of your feet. Make sure you are being gentle. You only want to get rid of the dead skin. Rubbing the stone back-and-forth is best.

You may need to repeat this process a few times if your feet are in really rough shape. Every day, rub your feet as much as possible before it starts to feel uncomfortable, and then start the process over again the following day.

Step 3:

Use cool water to rinse your feet.

Step 4:

This next step is very important for preventing infections. You need to make sure that you are cleaning your pumice stone after every use. Make sure you rinse the skin off using cool water. Keep your stone in a cool, open area so that it can dry. Consider buying a stone that already has a string on it. That way, it can hang somewhere where it is sure to dry faster.

7 Steps for Ridding Yourself of Dry FeetStep 5: 

Thoroughly dry your feet. Fungi love damp feet, so you want to make sure you are always keeping yours water-free.

Step 6:

Use a circular motion to massage the lotion onto your feet. Massaging your feet as you moisturize them can actually improve circulation of the blood. When buying your lotion, look for creams that are designed specifically for feet. These will be heavier creams that contain ingredients to help get rid of dry skin.

Step 7:

After your regiment, wear wool or cotton socks. These will hold the lotion to your skin to keep them moisturizing overnight. When you wake up, your feet should feel moisturized and smoother.

Kill Fungus Naturally with Herbs

Kill Fungus Naturally with Herbs

There are many reasons a person may contract an infection caused by fungi. These include poor personal hygiene, overusing antibiotics, or an immune deficiency. The most common infections are caused by fungi in the candida family. Candida albicans, for example, is the culprit behind yeast infections. Fungi thrive in moist, warm areas. For example, they are often found on the feet, especially on the skin between toes, under the arms, or in the genital area. If a fungal infection spreads, it can become fatal. Prescription medication usually cures the infection, but they can lead to irritation of the gastrointestinal system or the liver.

Luckily, many herbs can prevent fungal infections without side effects. However, it is important to talk to your physician before beginning an herbal regiment.Kill Fungus Naturally with Herbs

Olive Extracts

The Greeks honored the olive tree and used just about every part of it. Olive leaves and olive oil contain a chemical called oleuropein. Oleuropein has anti-fungal properties. It does not kill the yeast or fungi, but it stops reproduction and quickly reduces the risk of it spreading. Additionally, fungi and yeast require sugar, and oleuropein stabilizes and reduces blood sugars.

Garlic Cloves

Another herb valued by the Greeks was garlic. Garlic is best taken in its raw form to destroy fungi. It is especially powerful against candida. Garlic contains allicin, which protects the good bacteria found in the intestines while destroying bad and invasive fungi. Garlic can be taken in capsule form, eaten raw, or directly rubbed on external infections.

Oregano Oil

Oregano leaves produce an oil that is a strong antimicrobial. It is so strong, in fact, that it has to be diluted before you can safely use it. Otherwise, it may sting. The oil is made up of the chemicals thymol and carvarcol, both of which are good at killing candida infections. It can also wipe out fungus on the skin and nails. Athlete’s foot is the common name for these types of fungal infections.

Kill Fungus Naturally with HerbsCoconut Oil

Coconut oil is not only good at killing fungi, it is also a good laxative. This is important because you need to purge the negative microbes. Coconut oil is made up of caprylic and lauric acids. These are fatty acids that attack yeast and fungi directly. Coconut oil can be used internally, as a vaginal douche, for example. It can also be taken orally. Finally, it can be used on the skin to cure a fungal infection or simply be used as a moisturizer.

Goldenseal Root

Goldenseal root can treat burns and small cuts. It is also used as a disinfectant. Recent evidence also shows that goldenseal can be used as an antifungal or antiviral booster. Usually, though, goldenseal is used with other herbs as it can activate their positive effects. Goldenseal can be taken orally as a capsule or applied to the infection as an ointment.

Finally, it cannot be stressed enough that it is important to consult your doctor before taking herbs to cure infections, especially if you are pregnant, nursing or taking medication to treat another medical condition.

4 Herbs to Treat Fungal Infections

4 Herbs to Treat Fungal Skin Infections

Those who have suffered from jock itch or athlete’s foot know all too well that curing these infections can seem to take forever. Both are caused by fungi. Another illness caused by a fungus is yeast infections. A yeast infection crops up due to the fungus candida albicans. It will usually appear in the mucous membranes of the vagina or mouth. However, candida albicans can also lie in skin creases, especially if a person has diabetes, is taking antibiotics, or is overweight. The usual treatment for fungal skin infections is external creams and powders, many of which can be purchased over-the-counter. This treatment does not work for all types of fungi, though. For these, oral anti fungal medication will be necessary.

Another way to speed up healing is by taking herbs known to treat fungal skin infections. It is very important to first discuss these with your physician, especially if you are on any other medications.

4 Herbs to Treat Fungal Skin InfectionsChamomile

Chamomile is an annual flower that is often found in gardens because of its sweet smell and appearance. They look like daisies. Chamomile has been used as an herbal remedy for centuries. As soon as the plant blooms, the flower is picked to make creams, teas, capsules, and tinctures.

While chamomile is generally used as a sleep aid, it also has some properties that can wipe out fungi. To treat infections, consider drinking chamomile tea throughout the day. Also, you can place your teabag or any leftover tea on the infected areas.

As with all herbal remedies, it is important to discuss chamomile with your physician, and you should not use it if you take blood thinners, other sedatives or if you are pregnant.

Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera has also been used for thousands of years. As anyone who has had a sunburn knows, aloe vera is a gel that is inside the leaves of succulents. It is excellent for getting rid of fungal skin infections. The juice has also been put in drinks to help get rid of candida albicans infections. Aloe vera works by getting your white blood cells to attack the infection. As with chamomile, it is important to take aloe vera only after discussing it with your doctor. Those who have kidney or liver diseases and women who are nursing or pregnant should not take aloe vera.

4 Herbs to Treat Fungal Skin InfectionsThyme

A member of the mint family, thyme has an instantly recognizable scent. It has long been used  in herbal treatments and as a culinary spice. It is the leaves that are used as medicine. Thyme treats athlete’s foot and other fungal skin infections. It is generally administered in a tea, tincture, or capsule.

Thyme contains a chemical that strengthens skin proteins that will create a stronger barrier against fungi. As with other herbal supplements, be sure to contact your doctor to make sure you are using it properly. Also, thyme should not be used by those who suffer from duodenal ulcers or women who are pregnant.

Garlic

One of the best foods for treating and preventing fungal skin infections is garlic. It adds a pungent taste to food and has also been used as a medicine since ancient times. Fresh garlic contains a chemical called allicin that can wipe out fungi. Taking a 4,000 mcg or 5,000 mcg of a garlic supplement can completely eliminate a skin infection caused by the candida albicans fungus. Before taking a garlic supplement, you will want to consult your physician, especially if you are on blood thinners or pregnant.

3 Foods to Help You Fight Fungal Infections

3 Foods to Help You Fight Fungal Infections

Good news. Science has now uncovered many ways that we can prevent and treat fungal infections. One of the simplest ways is to stop these infections from gaining a foothold in your body is by improving your diet.

Our digestive system produces a number of good bacteria that keeps our body functioning properly. However, sometimes bad bacteria, fungi, and mold can invade the system. Stress, illness, a poor diet, or becoming exposed to high levels of fungi or mold can make the bad bacteria outnumber the good ones. At this point, it is imperative that we take action. To restore a proper balance and get healthy, there are detox diets to clean the fungi and molds from our stomach and intestinal system.

3 Foods to Help You Fight Fungal InfectionsThe Cause of Fungal Infections

A poor diet and stress can create an imbalance in our metabolic system, which can lead to a fungal infection. A diet too high in processed carbohydrates, sugar, meat, or foods that form acid can create an imbalance that will make you susceptible to parasitic, fungal, or other infections. These foods can make your stomach and intestines too acidic, so you will need foods high in alkaline. Alkaline minerals include potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The best foods from which to get these minerals are vegetables, fruits, nuts (like almonds) and grains.

Grains

As you embark on your journey to get rid of fungi, you will first want to get rid of alcohol, foods high in simple sugars, and starches. You also want to eliminate common grains like rice and noodles. However, you do not want to skip grains entirely. You’ll just want to gravitate towards healthier grains like quinoa and millet, which are both high-quality grains. Another great grain substitute is amaranth. It is high in protein and is exactly like eating your usual grains.

3 Foods to Help You Fight Fungal InfectionsGarlic

Garlic is an imperative part of your detoxification process. The anti fungal effects of garlic will get rid of fungal, mold, and yeast in your intestinal track. This will prevent the bad fungi from crowding and overgrowing the good bacteria. Garlic has been scientifically proven to destroy Aspergillus, a mold that is found naturally on tree nuts, corn, and peanuts.

Spices

A number of spices will also help you eliminate fungi in your digestive system. The best spices to add to the fungal detoxification diet are cloves, cinnamon, coriander, cilantro, and cayenne pepper. Cinnamon is best for knocking out fungi and yeast. They are all delicious spices that will help kill the fungi as well as improve the taste of your food. Additionally, all of these spices are also excellent antioxidants, which means that they fight the free radicals that can cause cancer.

Final Note

It is important not to get too carried away with any diet. You want to ensure that you are still consuming meals that contain foods from all of the major food groups: dairy, protein, fruits and vegetables, and grains. You simply want to use the guidelines above to make wiser choices about the types of foods you choose to consume.

The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal Infections

The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal Infections

A fungal toenail infection can strike anyone, though it usually occurs in adults. Usually, a toenail infection will only occur after it has already struck a person’s feet. Once the infection reaches the nails, it can become hard to cure. Even after the fungus is eradicated, there is always the chance that it will come back. Toenail fungal infections usually come from three different sources.The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal Infections

Everyday Shoes

The sort of normal shoes that people wear every day can be the culprit behind the growth of fungal infections. When people wear boots or shoes that crowd the toes and constrict the feet, they are more likely to sweat. Athletes are especially at risk for these infections because their feet sweat more often and the dampness will likely be absorbed into the shoes. Fungi love dark, warm, and wet environments. A way to prevent infections from growing in shoes, is to wear sandals or open-toed shoes. Another good idea is to keep dry socks handy so you can easily change them if your socks get wet. Many new socks are made from dry-wick materials that will keep the moisture off of your feet, which will prevent fungal infections from growing and spreading. Finally, fungi hate the sun and UV rays will kill them. So, as often as possible, try to expose your feet to some sunshine.

Illness

People who have circulation problems in their lower extremities, like people with diabetes, or a weak immune system, like those with HIV, are especially susceptible to fungal infections. HIV weakens the immune system, which makes it more likely that someone will get fungal, parasitical, bacterial, or viral infections.

For those who suffer from diabetes, blood may not circulate properly to the lower extremities, which makes it harder for the immune system to eliminate fungal infections.

The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal InfectionsAll of us face a weakened immune system and poorer circulation as we age. Thus, older people are more likely to end up with a nail fungus. The reason for this is because the elderly have been exposed to fungi for many years, which may also explain why they are more likely to suffer from an infection.

Trauma

Finally, when your toenail has been injured in some way, it may also be susceptible to a fungal infection. If a nail is cut, the fungus will be able to invade the toenail bed. Trauma is not the only way that fungi can sneak into the toenail, though. Athletes and people who wear shoes that are ill-fitting or too tight are also creating cracks in their toenails that fungi can sneak into. Infections such as these can be accompanied by other problems such as ingrown toenails.

Again, people with diabetes face an increased risk. As they have less feeling in their feet due to poor circulation, they are more likely to repeatedly injure their toes. This constant damage will continuously create tears in the skin for fungi to get through.

No matter the cause, if you suspect that you might have a toenail infection, it is very important that you seek medical attention immediately. Untreated fungal infections can quickly transform into more serious bacterial infections.

3 Ways to Identify Fungal Infections

3 Ways to Identify Fungal Infections

A fungal infection can show up on any part of your body, including your skin, nails, and hair. To start diagnosing the type of fungus that plagues you, you have to figure out what is causing the problem. When you know what the different types of fungus look like, you can stop infections from happening again, and you can prevent more serious, internal infections.

3 Ways to Identify Fungal InfectionsAthlete’s foot strikes people most often. You will usually see this on the skin of your feet. One of the telltale indications that you have athlete’s foot is wetness on the soles of your feet or the skin between your toes. The skin will look puffy and swollen and will also be red. Along with the redness, there may often be an itching or burning sensation.

Usually, you can treat athlete’s foot with over-the-counter medicines. If the infection does not go away after about seven days, you need to call your doctor.

Another common infection is jock itch. This generally arises in the armpits or the groin. It can also strike the skin under the breasts. Usually, this fungal infection is caused due to sweating on hot, humid days or during strenuous exercise. Cornstarch powder can be dusted in the creases or folds of your skin to keep you dry and prevent infection.

Ringworm is most commonly found on children. Kids usually catch it from an animal or coming into contact with someone who is infected. Ringworm usually looks like a circle on the skin. It will usually start as a red bump but then it will grow into the more recognizable circle. Left untreated, it will keep getting bigger. Usually, you can treat ringworm with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams that can be rubbed onto the skin. You will want to continue using the cream for an additional fourteen days after the rash has disappeared. If the ringworm is on the scalp or is all over the body, you may need to see your doctor for oral medication.

3 Ways to Identify Fungal InfectionsKeep an eye on your nails

Infections on your nails are more commonly seen in adults than children. Keep an eye out for the nail thickening. The nail will start to turn a creamy, yellow, or opaque color. If the infection is left untreated for long enough, patches and small streaks may appear, and the color of the nail will get even darker.

People with diabetes or vascular diseases will be more likely to develop a secondary bacterial infection, especially if they often get fungal infections on their skin or in their nails.

Doctors may prescribe 3 months’ worth of oral medication for toenail infections. Medicine need only be taken for 6 weeks to treat fingernail infections.

Consulting your doctor

When in doubt, call your physician. A lot of skin problems may take on the appearance of a fungus, and only your doctor will know the difference and be able to treat your issue accordingly. To diagnose your skin condition, the doctor may use a slide to scrape off some of the infected skin so it can be examined with a microscope. At that point, she can figure out if a fungus is causing your skin issues.

Treating Fungus with Over-the-Counter Medications

Treating Toe Fungus with Over-the-Counter Medications

Athlete’s foot is a common way to describe a fungal infection. What causes it? Generally, you catch athlete’s foot by coming into contact with it at a public swimming pool or communal showers. You see, fungi love moist, warm areas, so they will hang out on a shower floor, just waiting to hop a ride home with you. The fungus that infects your toes is called dermatophytes (commonly known as athlete’s foot), and it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to get rid of it. Onycomycosis, on the other hand, usually infects your toenails, and it can take as long as a year and a half to cure it.

Below is a list of several over-the-counter medications used to treat athlete’s foot and onycomycosis. It is important for you to check with your doctor before you use one of these if you have a serious illness like diabetes.

Treating Toe Fungus with Over-the-Counter MedicationsTea Tree Oil

The only herbal medication on the list, tea tree oil can be used to treat either onychomycosis or athlete’s foot. As an herbal remedy, it has not yet received FDA approval regarding its effectiveness or safety. As it may interact with other medicines or have side effects, you should consult a physician before trying tea tree oil.

Clotrimazole

To apply the cream, make sure you wear gloves and put it on the infected area twice every day. Make sure you are only using it externally. Side effects are usually minimal but can include itching or burning.

Miconazole

It’s important to note that women who are breastfeeding or pregnant and children younger than 2 should not use miconazole.

Otherwise, miconazole is similar to clotrimazole in that it is used to treat infections on your toes. Remember to wear gloves when you are applying it, which you need to do twice a day. Much like clotrimazole, make sure you are only using this externally. As with many creams, side effects can include a rash or itch.

Treating Toe Fungus with Over-the-Counter MedicationsTerbinafine

Terbinafine needs to be used under the supervision of a physician because of its strength, and since it can negatively interact with other prescription medications. It should not be given to kids under 12. Like the other two creams, you put it on two times each day and need to wear gloves when applying it. Terbinafine is generally considered the best way to treat fungal infection that are in between the toes. However, it does not treat onychomycosis.

Tolnaftate

Tolnaftate comes in powder, spray, gel, or cream form. As with the other medications mentioned, you put it on twice a day, externally only. Itching and skin irritation are common side effects.

Undecylenic Acid

Undecylenic Acid treats athlete’s foot by stopping fungi from growing. As with all of the other medications, you need to wear gloves when applying it two times each day. As with miconazole, diabetics and women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this medication. Itching and stinging are common side effects and are no cause for alarm. If you experience swelling of the tongue, lips, or mouth or if you experience shortness of breath, you need to contact a doctor immediately.