Athletes Foot

[smurfchops]

My sister has had athletes foot under her big toe for years, it comes and goes, and sometimes gets very sore and itchy. It also looks quite deep. She uses Dr Scholls athletes foot cream, but it doesn't seem to work. Is there anything stronger she can try ??

[poodicat]

Yep cannot remember the name or maybe its daktarin or something like that comes in a spray speak to your chemist or local pharmacy they are very helpful

[pastafreak]

Lamisil is very good...and seems to work quicker than the Scholls.

[Wak]

I got Athlete's Foot while in the Air Force and had smelly feet for years until I was told about Boracic Acid Powder.
Later, this powder became unobtainable but you can buy BORAX (Trade Name) which is a water softener for laundry use and contains Boracic Acid.
Smelly feet is often caused by a fungus living in the skin which isn't affected by using loose powder so I dissolve 2 tablespoons of BORAX in a bowl of hot water, soak the feet in it for 15 minutes until the water goes cold and then leave the feet to dry naturally.
This ensures that the powder gets under the skin to the fungus.
It is now four years since I last used this method and my feet are still clean, fresh and normal.
Whilst I have not suffered any ill effects whatsoever from this treatment I would suggest that it is tested with care on a small area first as, what suits me may not suit you, and I do not wish to be held responsible for any ill effects which may occur.

More info on http://www.tipking.co.uk/tip/3270.html

Borax is now extremely hard to find but a chemist may be able to order it for you.

[ladyalex]

Lamasil, Daktarin or Canesten should all work.
All available from a chemist.

You do have to keep putting it on for several days, though. If you stop, the fungus comes back.
You can also get athlete's foot powder which you can put in your shoes to help stop re-infection.
It really is a nuisance and can be very difficult to get rid of. If all else fails, try the GP who may give you a 'systemic' fungicide, ie a pill.

[Mr Veritas]

My GP gave me the following advice regarding Atheletes Foot.
1.The fungus is always there waiting for the right conditions so it can reappear(dirt/moisture etc)
2.Keep toenails as short as possible(this prevents the fungus from hiding in any dirt under the nails).
3.Change socks/tights/hose daily.
4.Wash feet twice daily and DRY thoroughly.
5.If necessary apply a proprietary product to erradicate (for the moment) the fungus.
If 2 to 4 are followed,once the initial fungus has been erradicated (with spray/powder) the 2 to 4 regime should keep the fungus at bay.

[Mr Veritas]

PS:~
Also use powder/spray inside of ALL shoes/slippers etc,as this can be where the fungus also hides,and can be retransmitted.

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone, very interesting. We are off to the chemist now to stock up !

[KARL]

There is a very simple and very cheap solution which has kept my feet totally (and I mean totally) free of the fungus and any trace of odour even when experimentally wearing the same socks for more than a week. The magic substance is household vinegar (not malt though because it stains). Put this into a drop dispenser bottle (I use an old lens fluid bottle) or else apply with cotton wool or a cloth. apply between toes and in the fold underneath where the toe meets the foot - endure big toe is similarly treated - not too much, just enough to wet the skin properely. If the skin is cracked/bleeding then there will be a sting but this will quickly disappear and within three days or so it will be substantially healed.

To keep the infection from re-occurring wear no synthetic socks and take shoes off whenever possible because being cooped up makes feet sweat and continuously moist - we go without shoes indoors. Continue applying the vinegar whenever you wash your feet, no need to dry too thoroughly first.

[KARL]

...ensure, not endure - sorry.

[Mr Veritas]

Great idea KARL,
Ecologically friendly,cheap and easy to apply.
I shall certainly try it next time that the pesky little fungus comes out! LOL