Athlete’s Foot: Symptoms, Causes and How to Treat It

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal skin infection that affects the feet. It can cause itching, redness, peeling skin and discomfort, particularly between the toes. Although it is often associated with athletes, anyone can develop athlete’s foot.

The good news is that athlete’s foot can usually be treated effectively with the right care. Recognising the symptoms early can help prevent the infection from spreading and reduce the risk of recurring problems.

In this guide, we explain what causes athlete’s foot, how to recognise the symptoms and when to seek professional advice.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It commonly develops between the toes but can also affect the soles, sides of the feet and other areas.

The fungi responsible thrive in warm, moist environments, making sweaty feet and damp footwear ideal conditions for them to grow.

Athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread through contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces, such as changing-room floors, communal showers and swimming-pool areas.

What Are the Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot can look different from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Itching: Particularly between the toes, which may become more noticeable after removing shoes and socks.

• Peeling or flaky skin: The skin may appear dry, cracked or start to shed.

• Redness and irritation: The affected area may become inflamed or uncomfortable.

• Cracked skin between the toes: Small splits can develop, sometimes causing soreness or bleeding.

• Burning or stinging: This may occur when the skin becomes irritated or cracked.

• Blisters: Some people develop small, fluid-filled blisters on the feet.

Symptoms often begin between the fourth and fifth toes, although the infection can spread to other parts of the foot if left untreated.

Not every itchy or peeling foot is caused by athlete’s foot. Eczema, dermatitis and other skin conditions can produce similar symptoms, so an accurate assessment is important if you are unsure.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi that grow on the outer layer of the skin. Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing an infection, including:

• Wearing tight or poorly ventilated shoes.

• Sweating excessively or having persistently damp feet.

• Not drying the feet thoroughly after bathing.

• Walking barefoot in communal showers, changing rooms or swimming-pool areas.

• Sharing towels, socks or footwear with someone who has the infection.

• Having small cracks or breaks in the skin.

People who regularly wear enclosed footwear for long periods may be particularly susceptible because moisture can build up inside their shoes.

How Can You Treat Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot can usually be treated with antifungal medication. The most appropriate treatment depends on the severity of the infection and your individual circumstances.

1. Use an Antifungal Treatment

Antifungal creams, sprays or powders are commonly available from pharmacies. Products containing ingredients such as terbinafine or clotrimazole may be recommended, depending on the circumstances.

Always follow the product instructions and complete the recommended course of treatment, even if your symptoms begin to improve.

If the infection does not improve, keeps returning or appears to be getting worse, seek advice from a healthcare professional.

2. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry

Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, paying particular attention to the spaces between your toes.

Change your socks daily, or more frequently if your feet become sweaty. Choose moisture-managing socks and allow your footwear to dry completely between wears.

3. Choose Breathable Footwear

Shoes that allow air to circulate can help reduce moisture build-up. Avoid wearing damp shoes for extended periods and consider alternating between pairs to allow them to dry.

4. Avoid Scratching the Affected Area

Scratching can damage the skin and may spread the infection to other parts of your body. Wash your hands after applying treatment or touching the affected area.

How Can You Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

A few simple habits can help reduce your risk of developing athlete’s foot or experiencing repeated infections:

• Dry your feet carefully after washing, especially between the toes.

• Change socks regularly.

• Wear suitable footwear in communal showers and changing rooms.

• Avoid sharing towels, socks or shoes.

• Keep your footwear clean and dry.

• Wash towels and socks regularly.

• Avoid applying moisturiser between the toes if the area tends to remain damp.

If you have had athlete’s foot before, continuing these habits after treatment can help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

When Should You Seek Professional Advice?

You should consider seeking professional advice if your symptoms are persistent, severe, repeatedly return or do not improve with appropriate pharmacy treatment.

It is particularly important to seek prompt medical advice if your foot becomes hot, swollen, increasingly painful or develops spreading redness, as these may be signs of a more serious infection.

People with diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system should seek advice early if they develop a foot problem, especially if there are cracks, wounds or signs of infection.

A podiatrist or other appropriate healthcare professional can assess your feet, consider possible causes and advise on suitable treatment. If the appearance is unusual or the diagnosis is uncertain, further testing or referral may be appropriate.

Can Athlete’s Foot Affect Your Toenails?

Athlete’s foot affects the skin, but the fungi involved can sometimes also infect the toenails. A fungal nail infection may cause the nail to become discoloured, thickened, brittle or crumbly.

However, not all nail changes are caused by fungus. Trauma, pressure from footwear and other nail conditions can produce similar changes.

If you notice persistent yellowing, thickening or changes in your toenails, a professional assessment can help determine the likely cause. Laboratory testing of a nail sample may be recommended when confirmation of a fungal infection is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Yes. It can spread through direct contact with infected skin or through contaminated surfaces and items such as towels, socks and footwear.

Can athlete’s foot go away on its own?

It may sometimes improve, but it can persist or spread without appropriate treatment. Antifungal treatment and good foot hygiene can help clear the infection.

How long does athlete’s foot take to clear?

This depends on the severity of the infection and the treatment used. Some treatments work within a short course, while others require several weeks. Follow the instructions for your chosen product.

Can I still exercise if I have athlete’s foot?

Usually, yes, provided you manage the infection carefully. Keep your feet dry, wear clean socks and suitable footwear, and avoid walking barefoot in communal areas. Avoid sharing towels or footwear.

Is peeling skin always a sign of athlete’s foot?

No. Peeling can also result from dry skin, eczema, dermatitis and other conditions. If the cause is unclear or the symptoms persist, seek professional advice.

Need Advice About Your Foot Health?

Athlete’s foot is common and usually treatable, but persistent itching, cracked skin and recurring symptoms can be uncomfortable and frustrating.

If you are experiencing changes to the skin on your feet or are unsure whether you have athlete’s foot, a professional foot assessment can help identify the likely cause and guide you towards appropriate care.

Contact our clinic on 07899615458 to find out more about our podiatry services or to arrange an appointment.