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Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot is a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect your quality of life, especially if it is recurrent. In this article, find out what it is, its symptoms, its causes, and how to treat it. 

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Topic at a Glance

  • Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, often causing itching, burning, peeling skin, and discomfort.
  • The infection is contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces such as locker room floors, showers, towels, and shoes.
  • Prevention focuses on keeping feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, changing socks regularly, and avoiding walking barefoot in public areas.
  • Most cases respond well to antifungal treatments, with symptoms typically improving within two to four weeks.

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What Is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common type of fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet. While this condition is usually not dangerous, it can cause a mild rash and sometimes be challenging to cure.  

This infection is called athlete’s foot because it commonly affects those whose feet tend to be damp, moist, and sweaty, such as athletes. Fungus thrives in these kinds of warm and damp environments. Anyone, however, regardless of age or gender, can get this infection.

This infection can affect one or both feet, and it can also spread to your toenails and hands.

Athlete’s foot and other conditions, such as jock itch and ringworm, are all caused by different types of fungi belonging to the same fungus group called dermatophytes.

A man with itchy feet from having athlete’s foot.

Athlete's Foot Symptoms

Symptoms of athlete’s foot can include:

  • Scaly, dry, flaky, cracked, peeling skin in between your toes or on the side of your foot (if you get a bacterial infection, your skin may break down even more)
  • Inflamed skin coupled with skin discoloration
  • Itching, burning, or stinging sensation in between your toes or on the soles of your feet
  • Blistering
A patient getting treated for athlete’s foot in Columbus, Ohio.

Is Tinea Pedis Contagious?

Yes, tinea pedis is a contagious fungal infection that can be spread by means of direct contact or by touching a contaminated surface.

What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete’s foot can be caused by direct contact with someone who has it or touching a surface that has been contaminated by fungi, including:

  • Floors
  • Towels
  • Shoes
  • Showers

Risk Factors

While anyone can get athlete’s foot, there are certain activities that can heighten your risk, including:

  • Wearing tight, closed shoes, especially plastic-lined shoes
  • Developing a minor skin and/or nail injury on your foot
  • Keeping your feet wet for long periods
  • Walking without shoes in public places (especially showers and swimming pools)
  • Sharing shoes, socks, or towels that have been contaminated by the infected skin
  • Sweating a lot

Can Athlete's Foot Be Prevented?

Yes, you can find comfort in knowing that athlete’s foot can be prevented. Below you will find practical steps and precautions that you can take to prevent athlete’s foot infections.

  • Keep your feet clean and dry. (Wash your feet daily with soap and water and make sure they are completely dry, especially between your toes.)
  • Wash socks, bedding, and towels on a regular basis.
  • Avoid sharing shoes, socks, or towels with others.
  • Wear sandals or flip-flops when using public showers or walking around public swimming pools, locker rooms, and other public places.
  • Avoid wearing socks made from materials that trap moisture. Instead, wear socks made from breathable fibers, such as cotton or wool, or synthetic fibers that wick moisture away.
  • Change your socks as often as needed to keep your feet dry, especially when you feel them getting sweaty.
  • Walk around barefoot at home to allow your feet to air out.
  • Wear shoes and sneakers made of breathable materials that are well-ventilated and don't absorb moisture.
  • Alternate between at least two pairs of shoes. This will prevent moisture buildup and allow your shoes to dry out between uses.
  • Use drying or antifungal powder.

How is Athlete’s Foot Diagnosed?

An experienced foot specialist will be able to diagnose athlete’s foot simply by examining your skin due to its distinct characteristics. If needed, they may request to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Athlete's Foot

Athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) antifungal powders or creams designed to control the infection. You will be instructed to keep using this medication for one to two weeks after the infection has cleared. This should help prevent the infection from coming back.

If your infection returns, your specialists may prescribe the following to treat athlete’s foot:

  • Antifungal pills
  • Topical creams
  • Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that may occur from persistent scratching

How Long Do Symptoms of Tinea Pedis Take to Resolve?

Symptoms of tinea pedis usually resolve within two to four weeks of treatment.

When Should I See a Doctor About My Athlete's Foot?

You should see your doctor about your athlete’s foot if:

  • The rash on your foot does not improve within two weeks of beginning self-treatment with OTC antifungal medications.
  • Your foot becomes swollen, warm to the touch, and has red streaks or causes pain. This could be a possible indication of a bacterial infection.
  • If you have drainage, pus, and fever.

If you would like to know more about how you can prevent athlete’s foot or suspect that you may have this condition, schedule an appointment at Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in the Columbus, OH area today! Learn more about other conditions including toenail fungus with us. Our foot doctors and podiatrists are ready to give you the quality care you deserve.

Medically reviewed by Sarah Abshier, DPM, CWS

FAQs About Athlete’s Foot

Early symptoms often include itching, burning, or stinging between the toes, along with dry, flaky, cracked, or peeling skin. Some people may also develop redness or blisters.

Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces such as public showers, swimming pool decks, towels, socks, or shoes.

While mild cases may improve temporarily, athlete’s foot typically requires antifungal treatment to eliminate the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.

With appropriate treatment, symptoms usually resolve within two to four weeks. Continuing antifungal medication for one to two weeks after symptoms disappear can help prevent the infection from returning.

You should seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve after two weeks of self-treatment, if your foot becomes swollen or painful, if you notice drainage or pus, or if you develop a fever, as these may be signs of a more serious infection.

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