Athlete's foot symptoms & treatment

Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that causes itchy skin on your feet. Athlete’s foot fungus spreads easily, especially in warm, moist places such as locker rooms or swimming pools. It can also grow on your own sweaty feet. With the proper treatment, athlete’s foot can clear up, but it may return.

What is athlete's foot?

The medical term for athlete's foot is tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi that grows and spreads on warm, moist skin. It’s very contagious, so it’s important to take steps to prevent it from forming on your skin or treat the infection right away.

You can get athlete’s foot when you have contact with contaminated objects and surfaces – such as towels, public showers and gym floors. The condition got its name due to its prevalence in places athletes frequent.

What foot fungus causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm. These skin conditions are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments and can infect the skin of the feet.

Athlete’s foot risk factors

You don’t have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. Common risk factors for this fungal infection include:

• Damp feet: Keeping your feet wet for long periods of time, whether from sweat or water, can increase your risk.
• Warm environments: Spending time in warm, moist places, especially public areas where you are barefoot such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
• Tight footwear: Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes that trap moisture around your feet.
• Personal hygiene: Poor foot hygiene can lead to fungal growth.
• Contact with infected individuals: Direct contact with someone who has athlete's foot or touching contaminated surfaces like floors and towels.
• Weakened immune system: A weakened immune system – such as when you have the flu or are receiving chemotherapy – makes it easier for infections to develop.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk for foot infections, including athlete's foot. When you have diabetes, your sweat contains sugar, which can promote fungal growth.

Can athlete’s foot go away by itself?

Athlete’s foot typically doesn’t go away on its own. While minor cases may improve with minimal self-care at home, it's important not to ignore the infection. Talk to your provider about a plan to properly treat your athlete's foot – especially since the fungal infection is contagious and can lead to complications.

What happens if athlete’s foot goes untreated?

If left untreated, your athlete’s foot symptoms can become more severe and uncomfortable over time. Untreated athlete’s foot can also lead to other infections:

• Spread of infection: The fungus can spread to other areas of the body, such as the hands (known as tinea manuum). It can also spread to other people you come in contact with.
• Secondary bacterial infections: Cracks and blisters caused by athlete's foot can become infected with bacteria, leading to serious bacterial infections such as cellulitis.
• Chronic infection: Untreated athlete's foot can become a long-term problem, causing persistent discomfort and skin damage.

Diagnosing athlete’s foot

Your doctor can often diagnose athlete's foot just through a simple exam. Some types of athlete's foot resemble dry skin or dermatitis. To confirm an athlete’s foot diagnosis and rule out other skin conditions, your doctor might take a skin sample from the affected area for further testing.

Athlete’s foot treatment

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be treated at home with nonprescription antifungal creams, ointments, lotions or powders applied to the skin for a few weeks.

Contact your health care provider if the fungal infection on your feet doesn’t go away or gets worse even after you’ve tried treating it yourself at home. Your primary care provider or dermatologist may recommend a prescription antifungal cleanser, powder or lotion. To prevent athlete's foot from returning, it's important to use the medicine for the length of time your doctor recommended.

Severe cases must be treated with prescription antifungal drugs to prevent athlete’s foot from coming back. Due to it being caused by fungi, athlete’s foot cannot be treated with antibiotics.

How to treat athlete’s foot at home

You can try these home remedies for athlete’s foot and preventing the spread of the infection:

• Keep feet clean and dry: Wash your feet daily with soap and water, then dry thoroughly, especially between the toes. Keep your toenails clean and trimmed.
• Use antifungal creams or powders: Over-the-counter antifungal treatments can be effective. Apply as directed.
• Wear breathable footwear: Choose shoes made of materials that allow your feet to breathe. Avoid tight, closed-toe shoes.
• Change socks regularly: Wear clean socks daily and change them if your feet get sweaty.
• Avoid sharing personal items: Don’t share towels, shoes or socks to prevent spreading the infection. It’s also best to avoid walking barefoot in shared spaces.
• Clean shared spaces: Completely clean your home, especially floors and bedding. Add bleach to the water in your mop bucket or to your laundry. Bleach kills athlete’s foot fungus.

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