Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common, contagious fungal infection of the feet that usually starts as itchy, cracked, flaking or scaly skin between the toes. According to the NHS it is unlikely to clear up on its own, but most cases respond to over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays or powders, which usually take a few weeks to work. The general approach is to treat with a topical antifungal until the skin looks normal and then, as MedlinePlus advises, for one to two weeks longer to help prevent it coming back, combined with keeping the feet clean and dry. See a clinician if it does not improve after the full course, spreads, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
Terbinafine 1% (topical) Lamisil AT Allylamine antifungal (topical) | A common topical option, listed by MedlinePlus and CDC as a standard OTC active ingredient for athlete's foot between the toes. Apply to clean, dry skin per the Drug Facts label and keep using it for the full course even once the rash clears (MedlinePlus advises continuing 1-2 weeks after the infection clears). For external use only; stop and ask a doctor if irritation occurs or there is no improvement within the labeled timeframe. |
Clotrimazole 1% (topical) Lotrimin AF Azole (imidazole) antifungal (topical) | A widely used cream for athlete's foot, listed by MedlinePlus and CDC as a standard OTC active ingredient. CDC notes topical antifungals are typically applied for 2-4 weeks. A general-purpose choice for itchy, scaly skin between the toes. External use only; see a doctor if it does not improve within the labeled time. |
Miconazole nitrate 2% (topical) Micatin / Desenex Azole (imidazole) antifungal (topical) | Listed by MedlinePlus and CDC as a standard OTC active ingredient. Available as cream, spray and powder; the powder/spray forms can be convenient for moist areas between the toes and inside shoes. Used for a course similar to other topical antifungals (about 2-4 weeks). External use only; follow the Drug Facts label and stop if irritation develops. |
Tolnaftate 1% (topical) Tinactin Thiocarbamate antifungal (topical) | An OTC antifungal named by MedlinePlus for athlete's foot. Its Drug Facts label markets it both to treat and to help prevent athlete's foot, so the powder is sometimes used in shoes and socks by people who get repeated infections. External use only; follow the label and see a doctor if it does not improve within the labeled time. |
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
Prescription-strength topical antifungals Topical azoles/allylamines (e.g., ketoconazole, others) | For stubborn or extensive infection a clinician may prescribe a stronger or different topical antifungal than what is sold OTC. This is a clinician's call after examining your feet, not something to source on your own. |
Oral (systemic) antifungals Systemic antifungals (e.g., oral terbinafine, itraconazole) | Reserved by a doctor for severe, widespread, or treatment-resistant athlete's foot, or when nails are involved. These pills require a prescription and medical supervision because they can affect the liver and interact with other drugs; never self-start them. The NHS notes a course may run for several weeks and that a skin scraping may be sent to a lab first to confirm the diagnosis. |
Antibiotics (only if a bacterial infection develops) Antibacterial agents | Antibiotics do nothing for the fungus itself. A doctor may add one only if scratching or cracked skin lets in a secondary bacterial infection (for example signs of cellulitis). This always requires diagnosis and a prescription; antibiotics are not a treatment you choose for athlete's foot. |
Topical steroid (corticosteroid) cream — only when prescribed alongside an antifungal Topical corticosteroid | The NHS notes a GP may prescribe a steroid cream to use alongside an antifungal cream to calm severe inflammation. Important caution: CDC warns NOT to use OTC steroid creams on ringworm/athlete's foot on your own, because steroids can make the infection worse. Use a steroid only if a clinician directs it and pairs it with an antifungal. |
Start with an OTC topical antifungal. MedlinePlus and CDC name clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine and tolnaftate as standard OTC active ingredients, and butenafine is another OTC option; all are reasonable first choices, and the NHS notes it can take some trial and error to find the one that works best for you. Match the format to the problem: creams for cracked, scaly skin between the toes; sprays or powders for very moist or sweaty feet and for treating the insides of shoes and socks. The single most important thing is to keep using the product for the full labeled course and, as MedlinePlus advises, for 1-2 weeks after the skin looks clear, because stopping early is a common reason it returns. Pair medicine with self-care: wash feet daily, dry thoroughly between the toes (dab, don't rub), change socks daily, alternate shoes so they can dry out, and wear flip-flops in communal showers and pool areas. Tolnaftate powder is sometimes used afterward as a maintenance step if you get repeat infections. Be realistic about evidence: most cases clear with consistent OTC use over a few weeks, but topicals alone often won't be enough if nails are involved or the diagnosis is wrong, and that's when to involve a clinician. Do not put OTC steroid (hydrocortisone) cream on it to stop the itch; CDC warns this can make the fungus worse.
Seek prompt or urgent care if your foot or lower leg becomes hot, swollen, painful and red, or you see red streaks, pus, or develop a fever; per MedlinePlus and the NHS these can signal a spreading bacterial skin infection (cellulitis) that needs medical treatment. Book a routine GP visit if OTC antifungals haven't worked after the full labeled course (the NHS and MedlinePlus describe self-care over roughly 2-4 weeks), the infection keeps coming back or spreads to other parts of the body (such as the hands or nails), or the itching and cracking are severe. People with diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system should see a clinician early rather than self-treating, because foot infections can become serious quickly. A doctor may take a skin scraping to confirm the diagnosis before prescribing oral antifungals or other treatment.
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.
Butenafine 1% (topical) Lotrimin Ultra Benzylamine antifungal (topical) | An OTC topical antifungal used for athlete's foot between the toes. Apply as directed on the Drug Facts label and complete the full course. External use only; ask a doctor if there is no improvement or if irritation occurs. |