What foot soak should be used for peeling, itching, and blistering on the soles of the feet?

Peeling of the soles is preliminarily diagnosed as tinea pedis—commonly known as “athlete’s foot”—a condition caused by bacterial overgrowth. Therefore, treatment should aim to inhibit bacterial proliferation; soaking the feet in saline solution is recommended, as salt possesses antibacterial properties. Additionally, topical antifungal ointments such as Dajining (clotrimazole) may be applied locally. Maintain good personal hygiene, wear well-ventilated footwear, and keep the feet dry. Since tinea pedis is contagious, avoid scratching with bare hands to prevent secondary infection.

What should I soak my feet in for peeling, itching, and blistering on the soles?

Peeling of the soles may indicate a fungal infection—namely, tinea pedis. For symptomatic relief, soaking the feet in a medicated solution such as Zuguang Powder (a traditional Chinese herbal preparation) is commonly recommended. In more severe cases, topical antifungal agents—including terbinafine hydrochloride cream, bifonazole cream, or miconazole nitrate spray—or Dajining (clotrimazole) cream may be prescribed. Apply twice daily for two weeks. If peeling is particularly severe with marked hyperkeratosis, keratolytic or healing ointments may be used.

If foul odor is present, soaking the feet in a diluted potassium permanganate solution (1:5,000 or 1:8,000 dilution) for approximately one week may be beneficial. If this approach proves ineffective, systemic antifungal therapy may be indicated, including oral terbinafine hydrochloride tablets, itraconazole capsules, or fluconazole capsules. Select one agent for treatment and monitor liver function regularly.