Overview
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It causes itching, flaking and cracked skin and can spread to the toenails or other parts of the body. It thrives in warm, damp conditions such as inside shoes, and is contagious through floors and shared items.
Symptoms
- Itchy, flaky or scaly skin, often between the toes
- Cracked, peeling or soggy white skin between the toes
- Redness or discolouration and a burning or stinging feeling
- Dryness or scaling along the soles and sides of the feet
- Sometimes blisters or an unpleasant smell
Causes & risk factors
- Dermatophyte fungi that grow in warm, moist environments
- Sweaty feet inside tight or non-breathable shoes
- Walking barefoot in communal showers, pools or changing rooms
- Sharing towels, socks or shoes
- Not drying feet well after washing
Treatment & self-care
Athlete's foot usually responds to antifungal treatments applied to the skin, along with keeping the feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly and airing footwear. A pharmacist can recommend treatment; a doctor's input may be needed if it spreads to the nails, doesn't clear, or keeps returning.
See a doctor urgently if
- The infection does not improve after a couple of weeks of treatment
- It spreads to your toenails, soles or other parts of the body
- The skin becomes very red, swollen, painful, oozing or you develop a fever
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system and develop a foot infection - seek prompt care