My conclusion about Moccasin-type athlete's foot is that once it is severe, (i.e. when it has spread over most of the sole of one or both feet), you need prescription medication to cure it. Apparently, this is beacuse of the thickness of the skin on the soles of the feet (creams, oils etc won't penetrate it). I wish I was wrong, as I do prefer home remedies - but for moccasin athlete's foot my experience has been that a trip to the doctor really is necessary.
Replied By Shaun (York, UK) on 04/04/2009
Try soaking your feet in a household ammonia solution (50/50 ammonia and water) for a while. Works a treat for me.Replied By Beverley (Leeds, Yorkshire) on 04/26/2009
Thanks for the reply, Shaun, but I won't be needing to try the ammonia after all - because I have changed my mind about apple cider vinegar - it really does work and I'm so happy! I'm guessing, but I the reason it didn't cure the moccasin athlete's foot I suffer with sooner, is because I wasn't soaking my feet in a strong enough solution. In the past, I had mixed a foot soak of about half ACV and half water, and although it dried my skin out, it didn't have much effect on the fungus. Recently, I thought I'd have one last try and I started soaking my feet once a day in neat apple cider viniger - no water at all. It stung a lot, probably because the athlete's foot had really damaged my skin in places, but I stuck with it, and wow - the skin has started to repair itself and the athlete's foot has nearly disappeared. I am amazed! And so so so pleased! I've stuggled for years with this and I can't believe I'll be able to wear sandals this summer without feeling embarrassed about my feet.
EC: Hi, Beverley. Thanks for the update! We're removing the NAY rating from your first post and adding YEA here.
Replied By J-Rod (Houston, TX) on 05/14/2009
Hi, I just read some of these feedbacks and was wondering what could help my husbands stinky shoes? My husband has athletes foot really bad. I mean I hated washing his nasty yellow crusty hard socks. I want to try this beacuse I've tried everything over the counter and his parents have bought him some package they saw on t.v. It worked but it had too many steps and of course he has to go to work. So if we try this do you think the smell in his shoes will go away as well?Replied By Linda (St. Paul, MN) on 05/15/2009
Just put some baking soda in the shoes & leave it in. I started doing this when my kids were young and it works!Replied By Missymichigan (Temperance, Michigan) on 05/16/2009
Here's how to penetrate the thick skin of the soles of your feet - I use a foot calus remover - it looks like a cheese grater, only made for feet. Once you are out of the shower and your skin and callouses are soft, just use the devise (found in most retail stores) to remove all calous areas of your foot, then try the home remedies. For fast removal of calouses, I use an electric Dremel tool found in most hardware stores with the round sand paper disc on it - it will clear up all of your callouses in 10 minutes or less but be careful to to put the speed too high. I got this idea from my podietrist who removed all of my calouses with one in her office! Good luck! Your feet will thank you!Replied By Alyssa (Austin, Texas) on 09/01/2009
One way to prevent stinky feet... Wear socks with a higher content of natural materials. Dress socks generally have high levels of nylon and run-of-the-mill white cotton socks are usually only about 75% cotton. Aim for at least 80% cotton, and when doing the laundry, add about a half cup of white vinegar to the wash cycle. Your socks should come out squeaky-clean, smelling great, and ready to absorb any sweat. Additionally, rotating your shoes works wonders... Try not to wear the same pair of shoes two days consecutively, giving each a day to air out.Replied By Chas (Denver, Co) on 11/28/2009
Warning: About using a dremel or other kind of power grinder or sander, such as a pet nail trimmer -- only do this when wearing a surgical mask and eye protection. Otherwise, the airborne pathogens can spread the problem to places where you truly do not want the issue, and where your physician may have a very difficult time helping you!