The Top Foot And Nail Fungus Products, According To Doctors

“Tolnaftate is a great [ingredient] for prevention and early treatment. You’ll typically see this in sprays and powders,” Shirazi said, mentioning the brand Tinactin as a solid choice.

This antifungal spray contains tolnaftate and promises to not leave behind powder residue on skin or socks, and has an instantly cooling feel upon application to immediately relieve itching or burning. The spray formula also allows you to apply the treatment without touching the affected areas and makes it easier to get in between toes and the undersides of feet.

When it comes to treating toenail or foot fungus, Bowles said it’s important to know which ingredients actually target the infection and which simply improve nail appearance.

“True antifungals like clotrimazole work by stopping fungal growth at the source, making them great over-the-counter options for mild infections,” she said.

Although Bowles didn’t recommend any brand in particular, we found this affordable and highly-rated cream containing a 1% concentration of clotrimazole. It promises to soothe and relieve symptoms associated with fungal infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm and jock itch, effectively and quickly.

Both dermatologists said that antifungals in powder form can be extra helpful because they help to “control moisture, which is a major contributor to fungal growth,” according to Bowles, while also helping to neutralize odor.

Shirazi suggested the Lotrimin brand, a daily medicated powder that uses tolnaftate to prevent most athlete’s foot infections when applied to feet and toes prior to wearing footwear.

As we mentioned earlier, fungus specifically affecting the toenail can be particularly tricky to treat due to the structural composition of nails and their slow-growing nature. Recently, however, we spoke to board-certified dermatologist and owner of Sage Dermatology and Mohs surgery clinic in Utah, Dr. Angela Brimhall, about this extra-strength toenail treatment by Foot Cure, which had many reviewers claiming it actually worked on their fungus when nothing else would.

“It contains 25% undecylenic acid, a compound that has antifungal properties that disrupt the cell membranes of fungi, inhibiting their growth and reproduction,” Brimhall said.

The treatment is also enhanced with oregano oil and tea tree oil, which, according to her, “Oregano oil is known for its potent antimicrobial properties [and] contains carvacrol and thymol, which can further help combat fungal infections by disrupting fungal cell membranes and exhibiting antifungal activity.”

Bowles said that ingredients such as urea, lactic acid and salicylic acid don’t kill fungus directly but help by softening or thinning thickened nails, allowing antifungal agents to penetrate more effectively, while hydrating agents can also keep nails flexible and reduce brittleness.

Based on this guidance, we chose to include this Ebanel intensive moisturizing and softening cream, which, at 40% contains a pretty high concentration of urea. Protective, intensely moisturizing and softening, this cream also features 2% salicylic acid to help exfoliate away patches of rough and flaky skin, as well as targeting things like calluses, corns and cracked skin. The shea butter-based formula is enriched with trusted hydrators like hyaluronic acid, coconut and jojoba oils, and antioxidants like green tea and vitamin E. It’s a combination that can be useful for feet and elbows, and even promote healthier-looking nails.

According to Bowles, some people may want to explore natural options like tea tree oil, menthol, or diluted vinegar soaks, which may offer mild relief, but these are less reliable than medications.

“Moisture-wicking socks made from merino wool or synthetic blends prevent sweat from lingering,” Bowles said.

When it comes to merino wool socks, we know to look no further than the beloved offerings from Bombas. These naturally temperature-regulating socks are made from ultra-fine merino fibers that feel soft and smooth, not itchy, on the feet. Available in a few different ankle heights, colors and sizes for both men and women, the Bombas socks also have a cushioned footbed and a slightly compressive supportive arch for a wear that’s truly comfortable.

Bowles said she also recommends wearing breathable shoes, like sneakers with mesh uppers, or rotating pairs so they have time to air out between wears.

As soon as we heard the words “breathable shoes,” we knew that the Allbirds bestselling Tree Runners had to be a suggestion on this list, as they are well-known for keeping feet feeling fresh and cool.

Featuring a proprietary fabric sourced from eucalyptus tree fiber, these everyday shoes are soft and lightweight, and feature a perforated knit construction to allow for constant airflow. They also have a cushioned midsole for all-day support, and once they get dirty, you can throw them in the washing machine for shoes that look brand new. You can shop for them in both men’s and women’s sizes, and they come in a variety of colors.

While we’re on the topic of footwear, Shirazi adds that you should never walk barefoot in communal areas such as gym locker rooms or showers. That’s why we’re suggesting this pair of non-slip and waterproof shower shoes that have a delightfully bouncy, extremely cushioned and cloud-like sole. These quick-drying slides come in gender neutral sizing and 15 colors.

“For an extra layer of prevention, some patients benefit from UV shoe sanitizers, which help kill fungus and bacteria inside footwear,” Bowles said.

We found the Pedfix ShoeZap, a device that claims to sanitize a shoe’s interior in just 15 minutes “using advanced UVC light technology,” according to the brand. By killing the bacteria and fungus inside your footwear, these plug-in lights may also extend the life of your shoes and help neutralize odors.