What is Athlete's Foot? A Podiatrist Explains the Causes and Treatment
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A podiatrist explains what athlete's foot is, what causes the itch and peeling skin, and how to treat it and stop it coming back.
By Jason McLellan, Co-Owner & Paediatric Podiatrist, Little Big Feet Podiatry, Brisbane
Key Facts
- What it isTinea pedis, a contagious fungal (dermatophyte) skin infection, usually between the toes and sometimes on the soles of the feet.
- Most at riskPeople with sweaty, hot feet, anyone in tight shoes and socks, and those using shared showers, towels or floors where the fungus spreads.
- Common symptomsRedness, itching, stinging, scaling and peeling skin, sometimes with foot odour and small fluid-filled vesicles.
- Primary treatmentTopical antifungal creams (terbinafine or clotrimazole) plus dry, clean feet and fresh socks, in a two-stage approach: clear the infection, then prevent recurrence.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is the common name for tinea pedis. It is a skin infection caused by a group of dermatophytes (fungi) and is closely related to other fungal infections such as jock itch and ringworm. Tinea typically manifests between the toes and occasionally on the soles of the feet. Whilst the skin typically acts as a barrier to these types of infections, certain conditions create a favourable environment for tinea to spread. Warm, moist environments (such as sweaty, hot feet and tight-fitting shoes and socks) predispose people to tinea pedis. Tinea can spread rapidly and is highly contagious, being able to spread through infected surfaces, towels and clothing.
What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?
The symptoms of tinea may vary from one person to another. Commonly, symptoms include redness, itching, stinging, scaling and peeling skin. Some people experience foot odour and may even notice small fluid filled vesicles.
How is athlete's foot treated?
Treatment of tinea pedis can be difficult and requires patient compliance. The treatment should be approached in two stages: firstly, to treat the infection and secondly to prevent the recurrence.
Treatment involves topical antifungals (such as terbinafine or clotrimazole) commonly found in products with brand names such as Daktarin and Canesten. Additionally, the following self-care tips will assist in reducing the recurrence of tinea pedis:
- Washing feet regularly and drying thoroughly
- Spraying feet with methylated spirits to dry the skin and reduce moisture
- Regularly change socks especially when sweaty
- Avoid wearing shoes that are too tight
- Avoid synthetic fibres in socks
- Use a separate towel to dry feet to avoid spreading the infection
The Comfort Co Breakdown
Athlete's foot, in plainer English
Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments, causing itching, redness, and peeling skin. Treatment includes antifungal creams and preventive steps like keeping feet clean, dry, and avoiding tight shoes.
Why did I get it?
Warmth and moisture. Sweaty, hot feet inside tight shoes and socks give the fungus the damp environment it loves.
It spreads easily. Tinea is highly contagious and passes through shared floors, towels and clothing, so gym showers and pool decks are common pick-up spots.
Why does it keep coming back?
Clearing the infection is only half the job. If the warm, damp conditions return, so does the fungus, which is why prevention through dry feet, fresh socks and roomier shoes matters as much as the cream itself.
Written by The Comfort Co team.
The Comfort Co Solutions
The Comfort Co honestly cannot help with the bulk of treating athlete's foot. That part is down to antifungals and your own routine. What we can do is help stop it getting worse and lower the chance it comes back.
1. Antimicrobial socks
Every sock in the OS1st range is anti-bacterial. That will not clear an infection on its own, though it helps manage the moisture and bacteria that let tinea thrive.
2. The right fit
Tight shoes are a big driver of athlete's foot. Get sized accurately in person at our Wellington or Hamilton showroom, then choose a roomier, breathable pair such as the Vitasole Walker.
3. Easy exchanges
Still not sure on the fit? Our returns and exchanges process means you can have another go, free of charge.
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Quick questions
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot, or tinea pedis, is a contagious fungal skin infection caused by dermatophytes. It usually appears between the toes and sometimes on the soles, and is related to other fungal infections like ringworm and jock itch.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. Tinea pedis is highly contagious and can spread through infected surfaces, towels and clothing, as well as shared floors like gym showers and pool decks.
How do you get rid of athlete's foot?
It is treated with topical antifungal creams containing terbinafine or clotrimazole, alongside keeping feet clean and dry. Treatment works in two stages: clearing the infection, then preventing it from returning.
How do you stop athlete's foot coming back?
Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, change socks regularly (especially when sweaty), avoid tight shoes and synthetic socks, and use a separate towel for your feet so you do not spread the infection.
When should you see a podiatrist about athlete's foot?
See a podiatrist if it does not improve after a couple of weeks, keeps returning, spreads to the toenails, or the skin cracks and weeps. Get it checked promptly if you have diabetes or poor circulation.
Sources
- DermNet. Tinea pedis. dermnetnz.org
- Cleveland Clinic. Athlete's Foot. my.clevelandclinic.org