Athlete's Foot

Other Treatment

Tea tree oil or garlic (ajoene) may help prevent or treat athlete's foot (tinea pedis) fungi. Burow's solution is helpful for treating blisterlike (vesicular) infection.

• Tea tree oil is an antifungal and antibacterial agent derived from the Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree. Although it reduces fungi and resulting symptoms, tea tree oil may not completely kill off the infection.³
• Ajoene is an antifungal compound found in garlic. It is sometimes used to treat athlete's foot.
• Compresses or foot soaks using nonprescription Burow's solution can help soothe and dry out blisterlike (vesicular) athlete's foot. After the blister fluid is gone, you can use antifungal creams or prescription antifungal pills.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: July 2, 2008
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
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