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Best Foot Antifungal Creams Reviewed
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Materials
The effectiveness of anything is a direct correlation between the active ingredients in the formula. Regulations require the listing of active ingredients on the bottle or packaging of a product. This is for health precautions and safety. All of the options you find, have a few different active ingredients. Furthermore, no particular active ingredient works more efficiently than another. It is just a formulation preference by the manufacturer. The most common active ingredients are clotrimazole, miconazole, fluconazole, and ketoconazole, among a few others.
The active ingredient in a fungal product does two things.
Conversely, some natural remedies are available. To illustrate, aloe vera could be the main ingredient. Aloe is a plant that grows in nature. Those types might have the active ingredient listed but it will not be in a medicinal form. Some people prefer natural choices when searching for a health remedy. Either route chosen is a good choice since it is attempting to fix a health ailment. As with anything, consult with a licensed professional regarding natural solutions also.
Use
The consistency of a product plays an integral role in whether a person uses the medication or not. Some things to examine are whether it has an oily or greasy base? Moreover, does it absorb into the skin well? Lastly, how well does it keep within the package? Some medicines separate when not used. That will affect their effectiveness.
Some products have a much heavier oil base than others. That may or may not sway your opinion about the product. In fact, some people prefer leftover oily residue as it comforts their irritated feet. One helpful recommendation, if you have a product that is oily, wear cotton socks after you apply on the medicine. This will help it soak into your feet more. In addition, socks can help prevent slips should you walk across a slick floor with oily feet. However, you should still proceed with caution.
In contrast, there are many products that do not leave any sort of lingering residue. They absorb quickly into your skin and you don’t have much downtime after applying. The consensus with these types is that they require more applications as they don’t linger on the surface of the skin. We advise you to follow the instructions on the label of the box for best results.
Other products, on the other hand, do remain on the surface of the skin and do not absorb inward, so to speak; albeit, it does absorb, just not at first glance. Pastes, usually, remain topside for hours at a time, working the magic topside down, as it were. When using one of these products, be aware of this, in case you may be heading out to the beach with friends and family. That is, you can help keep the embarrassment factor down by utilizing one that ‘disappears’ and no one will be the wiser.
Application
Consequently, too many instructions leave people lost in the words. Furthermore, people are not likely to follow through on correct dosing and application guidelines if it is an extremely lengthy process or they seem over-complicated. However, it is imperative that you follow the instructions perfectly. That is why it is important to purchase one that has minimal requirements; unless you will whole-heartedly commit to following them exactly.
Conversely, some people work certain jobs or have duties that prevent them from striping their socks off to apply cream 5 times a day. After evaluating the directions then they can pick a cream best suited to their daily life. Additionally, should they purchase a cream with stringent usage instructions, they are not going to see proper results, as they cannot follow the directions within the realm of application directives. That is, their job prevents them from doing so.
Safety Hazards
A question commonly asked by buyers concerns the safety of the cream? Items of medical nature have regulations regarding their safety. More importantly, items that fail the rigorous safety testing, do not make it to retailers. Moreover, these products are not suitable for children. Consult with a licensed medical professional about safe usage and age limits. As well, a medical professional can provide guidance on what to use for a younger person.
In addition, some of these creams have different active ingredient strengths. You must use caution when choosing one suited for your needs. Ones that have higher percent levels of the active ingredient are more potent. They could be too strong for your diagnosis. There are particular options for diabetics. Avoid purchasing that type unless you have diabetes.
Another very, important factor is the place where it is manufactured. Different countries have different regulations, in relation to various products and what is considered to be healthy. One country may consider an active ingredient to not be overly strong when applied to a child; whereas, another country may very well deem the same amount of dosage as being possibly toxic under a certain given set of circumstances. With this in mind, it is vital for you to understand where the product is manufactured and where it is being sold. In doing so, you will be better equipped in having the knowledge for your family’s safety and at keeping you and them from harm’s way.
When applying any type of medication to a child, you must always consider the chance they will reach down, touch the product, and then touch their mouth; possible accidental ingestion. Become aware of what to do in case of accidental ingestion and keep the numbers for poison control on hand (usually, found on every product sold from the USA).
There are tips you can follow to help prevent this accidental dosing, as it were. Again, it is vital to read on the manufacturer’s label prior to applying medication to your child, first and foremost. Secondly, since we are discussing feet here, nothing beats a pair of socks for preventive measures after application. If you find that your child is removing his or her socks and still rubbing the applied area, you can take the next step and place a pair of highly breathable shoes on them. Remember, to fight foot fungi (in addition to the cream), air circulation is vital and is a great combatant. As such, a good set of Crocs might just do the trick.
Comfort
For some people, skin sensitivities are a commonality. They must be cautious when applying certain things to their skin. Particles in lotions, creams, etc. can add further irritation because of the chemical composure. When a person with sensitive skin turns up to have a fungal problem on the feet, they must proceed with caution in searching for a fungal that will not irritate their skin further.
As a matter of fact, people without skin sensitivities must use topical creams with caution. Some may experience a burning or tingling sensation when applying to cream. If you are one that should experience those problems when applying the cream, it is best to follow with a few options.
10 Best Foot Antifungal Creams
1. Thena Foot Balm
This tea tree-based balm for feet helps not just soothe the painful cracking associated with the athlete’s foot but helps to nourish the skin as it heals. This particular product is made from all-natural ingredients, that help makes your skin soft, help prevent future infections or outbreaks of dry skin or fungal infections, and has no added fragrances or harmful chemicals. It’s a product well worth a second look, especially for those with more sensitive skin in search of a remedy.
The fungal fighting natural ingredients in this Foot Balm include tea tree oil, arnica, turmeric, and neem. Neem is well known for its anti-infective properties, while arnica has been used for helping with inflammatory responses of the body such as bruising or swelling. Combined with tea tree oil that helps soothe scaly or dry skin, which can help skin protect itself against fungal infection by creating a better barrier, it creates a blend of natural ingredients that can protect and heal all in the same product.
Other natural essential oils included in this Foot Balm are those to help create a pleasant smell, such as lavender, which will leave feet or other body areas smelling great. The product itself comes in a 2-ounce glass jar and has not been tested on animals, making it cruelty-free. It’s one product to help with skin conditions and infections that you can feel good about using and will be a solid option for those who have sensitive skin to harsher chemical products.
2. FineVine Antifungal Balm
If you’re after a natural remedy, made with quality ingredients and complying with high standards, the Antifungal Balm by FineVine is a great choice. It’s a multi-purpose product that works well for all fungal infections, including ringworm, jock itch and athlete’s foot, but can also be useful in treating eczema and sensitive, dry skin. The product can be applied to any part of your body, including hands, feet, and back, and is PH neutral, which means it won’t cause irritation or create additional problems.
The main ingredients in this Balm are essential oils that have long been used to treat fungal infections. These include Tea Tree, Lavender, Coconut, Canola, Olive and Eucalyptus oils, all of which are organic, and which aren’t mixed with fillers or second-rate quality ingredients. In addition to killing fungus (and preventing it from reappearing), these will also help with bacteria that cause bad odors and will nourish your skin.
Mixed in GMP and FDA-registered facilities, the FineVine Antifungal Balm adheres to strict regulations, which is especially important for those with sensitive skin. It is also a product you can use on a daily basis, seeing that it will moisturize your skin, softening it and preventing cracking. The 1.6-ounce package is priced slightly above average, but that is to be expected with all-natural, organic products such as this.
3. The Yellow Bird Organic
Derived from all-natural and organic ingredients, The Yellow Bird Foot Balm is a great choice for anyone. Moreso, this is true for those afflicted with skin sensitivities or allergies. This is based on 10 ingredients, most of which are essential oils. The company believes that your products should work effectively without causing harm to you. Their products are safer for a wide age range than some of the others in the category because they are all-natural.
The fact that this product has a thick texture allows for it to sit on the skin longer than some others. However, you will need to let it absorb into the skin or otherwise you will need socks around your feet. The ingredients go to work penetrating the skin.
In a world where so many products are deemed unsafe, it is nice to trust the ingredients of the product you are using. The goal of the company is to keep its products chemical-free and buyers are able to pronounce all of the ingredients on the label. For such a high-quality and organic product, the price is spot on. It comes in at an average price compared to the other items in the category. It could be considered a splurge product as you will reap many other benefits from the product. Buyers should feel good about their purchase of this product as it will last a long time. It also has many more uses than for just foot fungus.
4. Triple Paste AF
This is a product that helps to treat a variety of conditions, in addition to it being a fungi and bacteria fighter. It is water-resistant and performs decently at lubricating and preventing chafing just like chafing cream. Furthermore, with the 2% miconazole nitrate, this is good at relieving all-around discomfort.
This does not contain any fillers, chemicals, or toxins. It is made with organic lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils. Furthermore, its production is made in the strictest of conditions; adhering to top safety and health standards.
2% miconazole nitrate is the active ingredient in this product. This, basically, means you can use this for more than fighting fungi. Moreover, it is great at handling symptoms in relation to irritation. Falling into the midrange of cost association, this is a product worthy of your investment. Whether to treat something new or to have on hand for future mishaps, this is a must-have solution for fighting pesky fungi.
5. Purely Northwest Tea Tree Oil
This antifungal is wonderful at relieving itchiness, dryness, cracked skin, scaling, and burning. It is another product that does well as an all-around treatment for various skin irritations and conditions. It's gentle enough that it can be used as a body wash to help hydrate your skin.
This does not contain any fillers, chemicals, or toxins. It is made with organic lavender, eucalyptus and tea tree essential oils. Furthermore, its production is made in the strictest of conditions; adhering to top safety and health standards.
This body wash is infused with aloe vera, sea kelp, vitamins, tea tree oil, peppermint, and other oils to help soothe your skin. On the low end of the cost spectrum, this product should definitely be on your list if you're looking for a natural alternative to use daily. If you are looking for gentle, cruelty-free body wash consider trying CLn body wash.
6. Lotrimin Ultra
For those who need something that works fast, and is as effective as prescription treatments, the Lotrimin Ultra is a good option. This is a product that’s advertised as one of the best ways of combating burning, itching and cracking, especially between the toes, so if that’s something that you’re trying to cure, you should definitely check it out, considering the numerous satisfied customers.
The thing about this is that its main ingredient is butenafine hydrochloride, which is greatly effective against athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch, and can even be used to treat Candida albicans infections in the foot area. For most of these fungal infections, a simple 1-week treatment will be enough, but severe ones may need a longer treatment period. If you suffer from a severe fungal infection, it is best to consult with your doctor and get a prescription drug.
Lotrimin Ultra is safe for kids older than 2, making it a great item to have in your household. Whether it’s for you, your little ones, or your teen who has just made the football team, you can rest assured it’s safe to use and doesn’t contain harmful chemicals. It comes in two sizes, either 0.42 ounces or 1.1-ounce package, and is averagely priced, making it a good choice for most. To top it all off, it’s greaseless, odorless, and won’t stain clothes, so you can go about your regular life while using it.
7. Globe Clotrimazole
Globe products are a generic manufacturer of more popular brand name goods. However, they do not sacrifice the quality of their products. Their goal is to provide more cost-effective solutions to consumers while still providing top-notch goods. This has the same active ingredients as its more expensive counterpart. It is proven to be gentle on the skin but still works subdermally to provide optimal results when dealing with fungus.
The medication is shown to be gentle upon contact with skin. Its active ingredient level is in the range of original strength. Furthermore, you should not feel any burning or tingling after applying.
The ingredients in this are shown to be as effective as the name brand product. You will not be sacrificing quality because you purchase this product. The results from case studies matched the control groups and the groups using other products. This product is actually the best value in our category. The price compared with the effectiveness of the product constitutes it as a great value purchase for consumers. Buyers should not be leery about purchasing a product that is not the main name brand. This product is very highly-reviewed for effectiveness and passed all of the criteria.
8. Tinactin Liquid Spray
For those looking for a product that’s easy to put and spread evenly, the Tinactin Liquid Spray is an excellent choice. This product focuses on treating the symptoms of athlete’s foot and ringworm (including itching and burning), but one of the best things about it is the fact that it can actually help with prevention too. This means that you can simply apply it to your feet in the morning, or before you start your exercise routine, and you’ll be good to go.
The main ingredient in Tinactin Liquid Spray is Tolnafate which works really well against ringworm, a type of mold-like parasite. It can also be used to get rid of milder cases of toenail fungus, but won’t work too well against Candida, so if you’re unsure of the type of fungal infection you have, it would be best to consult with your doctor first.
The fact that this is an easy to use product is a real plus. Not only does the spray nozzle allow you to evenly distribute the product, but it also dries easily and leaves no residue (which is often the case with these). It comes in a 5.3 oz can, and is even available in a 2 pack which helps you save money, but also allows you to cut down on shipping costs and pharmacy visits.
9. Puriya Wonder Balm
Puriya was founded on the principles of clean and scientifically based products. Their desire to help with all-natural products stems from a family-based company with products suitable for men and women within most age ranges. The reason their products are safe for a wider age range is that they are made with essential oils. The Wonder Balm is suitable for a wide range of skin conditions. The oils will heal and nourish the foot and skin while clearing up the fungus that irritates the foot. Your skin will feel rejuvenated once the infection clears up due to the potent healing abilities.
Essential oils have been used for thousands of years because of their gentle yet effective uses. They are one of nature's most concentrated gifts. They are generally considered safer than a lot of medicines if used properly.
The mixture is beeswax and olive oil-based and is shown to stay on the skin longer than other products on the market. Therefore, it sinks into your skin longer and works longer on the skin for faster and more effective relief. While the cost is higher than some of the other products in the category, this product spreads and wears exceptionally. Therefore, you won't need to use as much product or as frequently. In that respect, the product should last for a long time considering you follow dosage guidelines. For such an amazingly high-rated product, you can count on this to be effective in healing your skin fungal problems.
10. Baza Moisture Barrier
This is a great choice for individuals looking for relief from problems associated with fungus. The product not only treats the symptoms but it creates a barrier on the skin. It is a zinc-oxide-based formulation that has a 2% active ingredient. Baza is a nice consistency that provides relief from itching and burning while treating the symptoms. The active ingredient is stronger than some of the others in the category. Therefore, use with caution until you see how your skin reacts to it.
Having a formula based on zinc-oxide means you can see the protection applied to your skin. It is a thicker consistency so it will definitely stay on the skin. We advise wearing socks with this as it will not sink immediately into the skin.
Most of them in our category is only 1%. Therefore, this one is stronger than the others in the category. If you are looking for extra-strength this would be a good option. However, we advise you to follow exact instructions to prevent skin irritation. While this product is in the middle to high range of the category when compared to others, it is a generous size tube of treatment. It is also very thick and lasts for a long time on the skin. Furthermore, since it is thick you won't need to apply as much or as often as some of the other options. You will get many uses out of the tube.
Sources
- , Don't Let Nail Fungus Get The Best Of Your Digits, webpage
- , Everything You Need To Know About Athlete's Foot, Medical news journal
- , Topical Steroids, Health blog
- , Antifungal Medication,
- , Antifungal Medicines,
- , How Antifungal Drugs Kill Fungi and Cure Diseases,