ATHELE’S FOOT

Athlete’s Foot is one of the most common skin infections we see in podiatry. It can leave your feet itchy, red, burning, and peeling. If untreated, it can spread quickly to your toenails or even other parts of your body.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s Foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin, usually starting between the toes. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments such as sweaty shoes, gym locker rooms, public showers, and tight footwear. Because it’s highly contagious, it can spread from person to person or by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces.

Common Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

  • Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes

  • Redness, peeling, or cracked skin

  • Blisters or scaling patches on the bottom of the foot

  • Strong odor or secondary bacterial infection if untreate

How We Treat Athlete’s Foot

PRESCRIPTION ANTI-FUNGAL CREAMS OR SPRAYS

Stronger and more effective than over-the-counter products.

ORAL ANTI-FUNGAL MEDICATION

For more resistant or widespread infections

SKIN CARE & WOUND TREATMENT

If cracking or secondary infections have developed

FOOT CARE GUIDANCE

Foot care guidance on hygiene, sock and shoe choices, and daily prevention

  • Over-the-counter antifungal treatments haven’t worked

  • You have diabetes or circulation problems (higher risk of complications)

  • Your skin is cracked, painful, or shows signs of infection (pus, swelling, redness spreading)

  • The infection keeps coming back

When should I see a podiatrist?

Tips for faster recovery and prevention

  • Keep feet clean and dry

  • Change socks daily (more often if feet get sweaty)

  • Wear breathable shoes and alternate pairs to allow them to dry

  • Avoid walking barefoot in gyms, locker rooms, and public showers

  • Use antifungal powders or sprays if prone to flare-ups

Frequently Asked Questions About Athele’s Foot

  • Yes. Athlete’s Foot is highly contagious and can spread through direct skin contact or by walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces like gym floors, locker rooms, or public showers. It can also spread to your toenails or hands if untreated.

  • Absolutely. The same fungus that causes Athlete’s Foot can infect the toenails, leading to thickened, yellow, brittle nails(fungal toenail infection). Toenail fungus is often harder to treat, which is why early treatment of Athlete’s Foot is so important

  • With proper treatment, most cases improve within 2 to 4 weeks. However, severe or recurring infections may take longer and sometimes require prescription-strength medication or oral antifungal therapy.

  • Yes. The best prevention is good foot hygiene: keep feet clean and dry, change socks daily, wear breathable shoes, and avoid walking barefoot in public places. Using antifungal sprays or powders can also help if you’re prone to flare-ups.