Jock itch and athlete's foot are common fungal infections. The only similarity between the two is their appearance on warm, moist, common areas of the body. However, the appearance and problems of both can be different.
Yeast infections can affect many people in different parts of the body. And the irritation it causes is endless and very irritating.
While many people swear by rubbing alcohol for itch and athlete's foot, few avoid this solvent entirely. Here's our take on "Is Isopropyl Alcohol Safe to Treat Itch and Athlete's Foot?"
Can isopropyl alcohol be used to treat jock itch?
Jock itch is a fungal skin infection that occurs on the inner thighs, buttocks and skin of Organs genitals.
It is more common in people who wear tight clothing or who retain moisture for a long time. Isopropyl alcohol is one of the most common remedies used to treat fungal ailments, especially jock itch.
Rubbing alcohol for jock itch is just as effective as any other antifungal lotion. Unlike antifungal creams/ointments, however, using isopropyl alcohol has its own side effects.
While antifungal ointments and lotions work to heal and relieve the infection, alcohol only cures it.
Because it is a pungent alcoholic chemical, it can irritate the yeast infection in some people. Also, alcohol can sometimes make the infection worse due to its drying properties.
How to prevent jock itch with isopropyl alcohol?
If you're a man, you might already be familiar with jock itch problems. Although this yeast infection is rare in women, almost 90% of men will experience it at least once or twice in their lives.
However, the good news is that some precautions and remedies can help protect you from itching. For example, if you have a bottle of isopropyl alcohol at home, you may not have to suffer from this yeast infection anymore.
Rubbing alcohol on the itch kills the fungus-causing bacteria, which basically leads to the entire infection.
As an excellent disinfectant, rubbing alcohol fights bacteria on the one hand and keeps the fungus dry on the other. While it cannot prevent itching, it can help you cure or improve the fungal condition.
Step-by-step procedure for using isopropyl alcohol to treat jock itch.
- All you need for this process is a bottle of 70% isopropyl alcohol, round cotton cosmetic pads/microfiber towels, or a cloth. As the tiny cotton fibers can adhere to the yeast infection and make it worse, we recommend using microfiber towels instead.
- Take the microfiber or cotton cloth and spray it with some isopropyl alcohol. Make sure it's wet enough.
- Now place the wipe/pad on the affected area, making sure the alcohol is evenly distributed.
- If the fungal infection is mild, then it is enough to carry out this procedure once in the morning. However, if the infection is widespread, you can repeat the alcohol application process two or three times.
- Also, whenever you apply alcohol to your infection, make sure the area is free of sweat and other foreign moisture.
Jock Itch - Is Isopropyl Alcohol Helpful or Harmful?
Rubbing alcohol is both helpful and harmful for jock itch. While this solvent kills the fungus on the surface of the skin, it can also cause the skin to become red, irritated, and extremely dry.
Because isopropyl alcohol is quickly absorbed into the skin, it's actually not safe to use on jock itch and similar fungal infections.
Rubbing Alcohol for Jock Itch - How Many Days?
Like any other topical ointment or lotion, isopropyl alcohol takes 2 to 4 weeks to treat the itch.
Even if you use it vigorously two or three times a day, you need to wait about ten days for full recovery.
However, using alcohol for a long period of time on a specific area can also lead to alcohol poisoning.
Is isopropyl alcohol an antifungal?
Isopropyl alcohol is not particularly antifungal, but it can be effective. Isopropyl, by denaturing the body's proteins and dissolving its lipids, works effectively on most fungus-causing bacteria.
It is just ineffective against bacterial spores. Also, isopropyl alcohol solvent is only intended to treat surface bacteria in the early stages of infection.
Once the infection develops and spreads, you may not notice any benefit from using isopropyl.
reduction
- Antifungal Foot Care Cream - Vivalane Organics Cream helps relieve persistent itchiness, stinging and burning sensations while eliminating foot problems such as athlete's foot, toenail fungus, ringworm and itchiness, all once and forever! Get clean, healthy skin with Vivalane Organics!
- Intense & Fast-Acting: The fast-acting formula penetrates deep into the epidermis to alleviate most skin problems caused by hot, humid, sweaty environments. It forms a protective barrier on the skin and helps restore its natural health and beauty.
- Safe, simple and natural - Our intensive antifungal cream contains high-quality botanical ingredients, including aloe vera, arnica, grapefruit seed, licorice and turmeric, which are gentle on even sensitive skin. No side effects and no greasy residue.
- MADE IN THE USA - We put love and care into formulating this cream to provide you with quality that benefits your well-being. Each glass is proudly made in the USA under strict manufacturing laws and is tested for purity and quality. Add to your cart and try it today!
- PREMIUM QUALITY - Here at Vivalane Organics, we stand behind the quality of our products. If for some reason your experience is not exceptional, please contact us and we will do everything we can to make it right. We value your experience with us!
Does alcohol kill ringworm spores?+(Does alcohol kill ringworm on the skin?)
Rubbing alcohol effectively kills ringworm spores residing on the surface of the skin. It also resists the spread of infections like ringworm.
However, since most ringworm infections are below the surface of the skin, unsuccessful results can occur even with alcohol.
For the safest and most effective way to treat ringworm, always choose topical antifungal medications.
Some of the common and effective topical medications are:
- clotrimazole(Desenex),
- terbinafina(Lamisil),
- ymiconazole(Cruex).
McKesson Brand Miconazole Nitrate Antifungal Treatment 2% Strength, 4 oz. tube, 1 piece
- McKesson 2% Strong Antifungal Cream can help with itching, excoriation, flaking, cracking, burning, soreness, redness, soreness and irritation; helps with skin problems
- The formula contains 2% Miconazole Nitrate to help heal itch, ringworm and athlete's foot.
- Tube of antifungal cream moisturizes the skin and strengthens the area as an adjunct for incontinence or wound drainage to alleviate health issues
- Yeast Infection Cream helps to improve superficial skin infections caused by fungus and is helpful in improving moisture in skin fold areas.
- The 3oz tube is latex free.
Terbinafine Hydrochloride Antifungal Cream 1% (1 oz.)
- Cures most athlete's foot.
- Compare with the active ingredient in Lamisil AT
- antimycotic cream
- full prescription strength
- WHAT'S INSIDE: (Ingredients) Globe Miconazole Medicated Cream contains 2% miconazole as the active ingredient. Miconazole kills individual fungal cells, making it a very effective defense against common fungal infections.
- FIRST-LINE ANTIFUNGAL TREATMENT: What you need to know; Miconazole Medicated Cream 2% relieves itching, burning, cracking, and flaking associated with fungal infections and eradicates fungal cells. For best results, clean the affected area with mild soap and warm water, pat dry and apply the medicated cream in a thin layer twice daily. GLOBE Miconazole 2% Medicated Cream comes in a convenient 1-ounce tube and makes a great addition to any home first aid kit.
- PHARMACIST ADVICE: Our pharmacist says, "Globe brand miconazole is an effective over-the-counter antifungal cream used to treat common conditions such as athlete's foot (tinea pedis), itch (tinea cruris) and ringworm (tinea corporis)."
- TREATMENT: Treat itching, cracking, flaking, burning, redness, pain, excoriation and irritation by applying this Globe Miconazole 2% Strength Antifungal Cream. Globe Miconazole 2% Cream treats cases of ringworm, itching and athlete's foot.
- EFFECTIVE RELIEF: Globe Brand Miconazole Medicated Cream USP 2%, cures athlete's foot (tinea pedis), jock itch (tinea cruris), ringworm (tinea corporis). Relieves itching, irritation, redness, flaking and discomfort that can accompany these conditions.
Yes, isopropyl alcohol is quite effective for getting rid of athlete's foot.
Basically, it kills the fungus that causes toenail infections, especially athlete's foot.
All you have to do is
- Take a bathtub and mix 70% isopropyl and water (3:1).
- Now soak your feet in the alcohol and water mixture for about 30 minutes.
- Dry them afterwards, especially the area between and under your fingers. If the infection is high, a topical lotion should also be applied.
Does athlete's foot go away on its own?
No, athlete's foot does not go away on its own; therefore, it must be treated immediately. If left untreated, it will spread to other parts of the foot quickly.
And especially when the infection reaches the nails, further treatment becomes difficult.
Nails are resistant to many treatments against fungal infections; So treat athlete's foot before it gets worse.
How is isopropyl alcohol used for yeast infections?
Isopropyl alcohol is a natural bactericidal treatment that is helpful for various fungal infections. This solvent won't necessarily stop mold growth, but it will certainly kill some bacteria.
To treat yeast infections with isopropyl alcohol, soak a body part in a mixture of alcohol and water or apply rubbing alcohol directly to the fungal infection.
Tips and tricks to prevent fungal infections like jock itch and athlete's foot
The best way to fight fungal infections, such as jock itch and athlete's foot, is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. These types of infections do not appear by themselves, but your specific lifestyle habits invite them to do so.
Here's how to avoid itch and athlete's foot, especially if you're prone to them:
- Maintain a healthy hygiene habit. This includes showering and cleaning daily, using clean towels and clothes, and keeping your body dry.
- If you tend to get athlete's foot, wash and dry your feet every day. Concentrate mainly on the area between your toes. You can also put a small amount of antifungal powder on your feet.
- If you are prone to yeast infections, avoid swimming pools, public showers and other similar areas as much as possible. Perhaps your sensitive skin does not tolerate all this optimally.
- Do not repeat underwear for more than one day. Or in the summer, when you sweat profusely, consider changing your underwear and even your top twice a day.
- Avoid using cosmetic powders/lotions and things from your pantry to treat infections.
- Always wear clothing made of breathable material, preferably cotton.
- Can isopropyl alcohol be used on cold sores?
- How do I remove acrylic nails with isopropyl alcohol?
- How do I make an ice pack with isopropyl alcohol?
Diploma…
Rubbing alcohol can definitely be effective in treating itchiness and athlete's foot. However, before such a quick remedy, we recommend that you use a suitable antifungal cream.
Opt for common over-the-counter topical creams or consult your doctor for a stronger cream that can treat persistent infections.
After examining the severity of the yeast infection, your doctor may also recommend some oral medications.
We are a partner! We may receive a small commission if you make a purchase through product links at no additional cost to you!
FAQs
How do you stop athlete's foot from itching fast? ›
Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription antifungal creams, ointments, gels, sprays or powders effectively treat athlete's foot. These products contain clotrimazole, miconazole, tolnaftate or terbinafine. Some prescription antifungal medications are pills. These pills contain fluconazole, itraconazole or terbinafine.
What is the strongest treatment for athlete's foot at home? ›After washing and drying your feet, apply an antifungal product. The antifungal terbinafine (Lamisil AT) has been shown to be very effective. Another option is clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF). You may need to experiment to find the product and formulation — ointment, gel, cream, lotion, powder or spray — that work for you.
Is isopropyl alcohol good for toe fungus? ›It is important to note that isopropyl alcohol is effective against fungus, and not fungal spores.
Can I put isopropyl alcohol on my feet? ›Using Rubbing Alcohol: by dabbing a small amount of rubbing alcohol between the toes or sweaty areas, you can instantly dry out your feet and reduce foot odors.
Can I use rubbing alcohol for athlete's foot? ›Soak Your Feet in Rubbing Alcohol and Water
Rubbing alcohol also has the potential to kill fungus, even the type that causes athlete's foot.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes. You can also spread it from the foot to other parts of the body, especially if you scratch or pick the infected parts of your foot.
Does hydrogen peroxide cure athlete's foot? ›Health experts do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide to treat foot fungus. It is not an effective treatment for athlete's foot and can slow wound healing.
How long does it take for hydrogen peroxide to get rid of fungus? ›Kill mold and mildew
To kill them without having to breathe in toxic bleach fumes, spray with undiluted 3 percent hydrogen peroxide and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Rinse. The peroxide will kill the mold and mildew, but you may still need to remove the stains they left behind.
Give your feet a good soak in hydrogen peroxide. Before you dunk your feet, remember that hydrogen peroxide can sting when skin is chapped or cracked. Mix a pint of hydrogen peroxide in 1 gallon of warm water. Soak your feet for about 30 minutes.
Is isopropyl alcohol anti fungal? ›Isopropyl alcohol may be intermittently effective against fungus but it is not effective against fungal spores. Treatment of mold and fungus is generally considered a problem of moisture and humidity. Applying a surface level cleaner may have little or no effect on fungal removal.
How do you get rid of athlete's foot forever home remedies? ›
- Wash feet often with soap and water.
- Soak feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to clear up blisters.
- Some evidence shows that soaking feet in a tea tree oil solution can help. ...
- Make sure feet are completely dry after washing, especially between the toes.
- Wear clean cotton socks.
Tea tree oil
Tea tree oil, also called melaleuca, is an essential oil with antifungal and antiseptic abilities. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health , some small-scale clinical studies showed that tea tree oil might be effective against toenail fungus.
passing through the skin. repeated contact can cause a skin rash, itching, dryness and redness. ► Inhaling Isopropyl Alcohol can irritate the nose and throat.
What kills athlete's foot in shoes? ›How Do You Disinfect Shoes From Athlete's Foot? The best way to disinfect shoes from athlete's foot is to use a UV shoe sanitizer. However, you can also use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to get rid of fungus from athlete's foot. Vinegar is also effective at slowing down fungal growth in shoes.
What happens if you put isopropyl on your skin? ›Isopropyl alcohol kills or prevents the growth of bacteria on the skin. Isopropyl alcohol topical (for use on skin) is used to help prevent bacterial skin infections from minor cuts or scrapes. Isopropyl alcohol is used in healthcare settings to prevent infection that may be caused by needle punctures.
What do I soak my feet in to get rid of athlete's foot? ›For athlete's foot
Athlete's foot often burns and itches. For mild forms of this condition, a vinegar soak might work well. The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people with toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides.
As vinegar has antifungal properties, soaking the feet daily in a vinegar foot bath could help fight off fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. However, there is currently no reliable evidence to suggest that any home remedies, including vinegar, are useful in the treatment of athlete's foot.
What home remedy is good for itchy feet? ›Baking soda paste – Mix 2-3 tablespoons of water with a tablespoon of baking soda until it forms a nice paste. Apply the paste to your itchy feet. Once it's dry, rinse it off your skin. Salt water soaks – This can help for mild itching.
What is the strongest treatment for athlete's foot? ›Best-overall product for athlete's foot
Across the board, Lamisil was recommended by almost all the experts we spoke to as the best topical product for treating athlete's foot. Available in cream and gel form, it's a powerful, broad-spectrum antifungal that Maral K.
The fungus that causes athlete's foot can spread to other parts of your body. To prevent this, you shouldn't pick at or touch the blisters or other visible symptoms like sores and scales. Fungus may also infect your toenails, hands, and groin. Wash your hands immediately if you do touch the infected area.
What happens if you have athlete's foot for too long? ›
If left untreated, it can spread to a nail and cause a fungal nail infection. The infection can spread to other areas of skin, such as the hands, but that rarely happens. Very rarely, and only in severe cases of athlete's foot, it can also lead to a bacterial infection.
Can Lysol cure athlete's foot? ›Here's what doctor Green suggests: "You can take wadded up newspaper or paper towels and spray them down with Lysol and stuff them in the shoes and just leave them there overnight. That'll kill the fungus in there.
Will Neosporin work on athlete's foot? ›Neosporin AF (containing miconozole) is marketed for athlete's foot and jock itch. These specific skin fungal infections are caused by the Tinea genus of fungus.
Does Epsom salt help athlete's foot? ›You can even use Epsom salt baths to relieve a number of foot complaints and conditions, including: Athlete's Foot: While Epsom salts don't kill the fungus that causes athlete's foot, it can help draw the moisture out. This makes the environment much less inviting for fungus.
What kills fungus better alcohol or hydrogen peroxide? ›The bottom line. Rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide both kill most bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In general, rubbing alcohol is better at killing germs on your hands, as it's gentler on your skin than hydrogen peroxide.
What happens if you put hydrogen peroxide on a fungal infection? ›Hydrogen peroxide can easily kill fungus on the surface level but is not intended for internal use. You can pour hydrogen peroxide over the infected area, but be aware it may sting and should bubble, especially if you have any open wounds.
What does hydrogen peroxide do to toenail fungus? ›Hydrogen can kill the fungus that grows on toenails, causing the unsightly disfigurement that comes with this condition.
Is alcohol or peroxide better for athlete's foot? ›Rubbing alcohol has the same germ and fungal killing properties as hydrogen peroxide. As such, regular application can help eliminate surface infections.
Should I wear socks to bed with athlete's foot? ›Wearing socks to bed can help prevent transmission of the fungus. Even if you avoid contact, your partner can still develop athlete's foot if you walk around the house barefoot. The fungus can attach itself to floors when you walk or stand on them.
How long does athlete's foot live in shoes? ›So when you are continuously wearing shoes, fungus is continuously contaminating your shoes. Fungus is already a difficult infection to get rid of, and what surprises many people is that fungus can live in your shoes for up to 20 months. Thus, continuously treating your shoes throughout treatment is essential.
Is hydrogen peroxide an antifungal? ›
Hydrogen peroxide is active against a wide range of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, fungi, viruses, and spores 78, 654. A 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide demonstrated bactericidal and virucidal activity in 1 minute and mycobactericidal and fungicidal activity in 5 minutes 656.
Should I use 70 or 91 isopropyl alcohol? ›A lower percent alcohol means there's more water diluting the mix in the bottle. But according to microbiology, 70 percent alcohol is probably more effective than 91 percent for disinfecting—depending on what kind of germs you're trying to kill.
Why is 70 isopropyl better than 90? ›You can buy rubbing alcohol with a concentration of 70% or 99% isopropyl alcohol. Even though you may think the higher concentration is more effective, experts say 70% is actually better for disinfecting. It has more water, which helps it to dissolve more slowly, penetrate cells, and kill bacteria.
Can you completely remove athlete's foot? ›Most cases of athlete's foot can be cured with over-the-counter antifungal products and basic good hygiene.
Does Listerine cure athlete's foot? ›Research and evidence. Though the ingredients in Listerine are thought to possess antifungal properties, no studies have proven that the mouthwash is a surefire way to get rid of foot and nail fungus. One study stated that Listerine could prevent fungal infections in people with autoimmune diseases.
Does salt water cure athlete's foot? ›The Salt Solution
The fungus that causes athlete's foot can't thrive in saline (a.k.a. salty) solutions, so dissolve about a 1/3 cup salt in a gallon of warm water, and soak your feet in the water for 10 minutes or so at a time, then dry your feet thoroughly. Repeat daily until the problem disappears.
Often, you can take care of a fungal nail infection at home: Try nonprescription antifungal nail creams and ointments. Several products are available, such as terbinafine (Lamisil).
Does Vicks help with foot fungus? ›“Applying Vicks VapoRub to fungus-infected toenails can clear up the notoriously hard-to-treat condition. Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from 5 to 16 months…”
Can baking soda cure foot fungus? ›Proponents of baking soda may suggest it as a remedy as it can help absorb moisture that may cause toenail fungus. Additionally, it may possess fungistatic properties, meaning it does not kill fungi but can prevent them from growing.
Can hydrogen peroxide cure athlete's foot? ›Health experts do not recommend using hydrogen peroxide to treat foot fungus. It is not an effective treatment for athlete's foot and can slow wound healing.
Does scratching athlete's foot make it worse? ›
When you have athlete's foot, as tempting as it may be, don't scratch! That will just makes it worse, and can even make it spread.
What does vinegar do to athlete's foot? ›As vinegar has antifungal properties, soaking the feet daily in a vinegar foot bath could help fight off fungal infections, such as athlete's foot. However, there is currently no reliable evidence to suggest that any home remedies, including vinegar, are useful in the treatment of athlete's foot.
Can Athlete's foot live on sheets? ›Sharing towels, sheets, clothing, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot also can spread the infection.
Should you scrub athlete's foot? ›Wash and dry your feet twice daily: You may only shower once a day, but if you have athlete's foot, you should wash your feet morning and night to help clear up the infection. Remember to scrub between your toes where the itchy rash is bound to be at its worst.
Do I need to clean my shower if I have athlete's foot? ›Having athlete's foot once doesn't mean you're immune. If you have an infection, make sure to disinfect or treat any areas that the fungus may be on. This includes your towels, sheets and bathroom or shower floors. Don't forget your shoes either, especially the ones you wear barefoot, like sandals.
What kills athlete's foot naturally? ›Tea Tree Oil
Because it can kill some types of bacteria and fungus, people have used it as a home remedy for many years. When rubbed into the skin twice a day, tea tree oil can reduce the itching, scaling, swelling, and burning of athlete's foot.
Across the board, Lamisil was recommended by almost all the experts we spoke to as the best topical product for treating athlete's foot. Available in cream and gel form, it's a powerful, broad-spectrum antifungal that Maral K.
Does Listerine help with athlete's foot? ›Listerine for feet? A Listerine foot soak is a type of at-home foot bath. It's primarily used to treat athlete's foot and onychomycosis (toenail fungus). People also use Listerine on their feet to help remove dead skin.
What can I soak my feet in to get rid of athlete's foot? ›For athlete's foot
For mild forms of this condition, a vinegar soak might work well. The antifungal properties also make vinegar soaks a good idea for people with toenail fungus. Soak your feet for 10 to 15 minutes daily in a vinegar bath until the infection subsides.