Athlete's foot is one of the most common foot conditions, and one of the most treatable when caught early. It causes itchy, flaky or cracked skin, usually between the toes. Left alone it can spread, become uncomfortable, and lead to nail infections, so it is worth dealing with promptly rather than hoping it clears.
What Does Athlete's Foot Look and Feel Like?
Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection. It typically causes itching, flaking or peeling skin between the toes, and sometimes redness, cracking or a stinging feeling. It can spread to the soles and sides of the feet. Because it is caused by the same fungi that affect nails, leaving it untreated can also lead to fungal toenails.
Why You Should Not Leave Athlete's Foot Untreated
There are a few good reasons to treat it early:
- It spreads, both across your own foot and to other people
- Cracked skin can be a route for other infections
- It commonly leads to fungal toenail infections, which are harder to treat
- It matters more for people with diabetes or poor circulation, where any skin break needs care
Early treatment is simple. A neglected infection is more stubborn.
How to Treat and Prevent Athlete's Foot
Early athlete's foot often responds to antifungal treatment alongside keeping the feet clean and dry, drying carefully between the toes, changing socks regularly and letting shoes air. Wearing something on your feet in communal changing areas and not sharing towels reduces the risk of catching or spreading it.
When to See a Podiatrist About Athlete's Foot
See a podiatrist if it keeps coming back, does not respond to treatment, is spreading, or if you have diabetes or circulation problems. We can confirm the diagnosis, treat it as part of our foot care service, and check whether the nails have become involved.
At Advanced Footcare Group we treat athlete's foot and the nail infections that can follow it, and give clear prevention advice.
If athlete's foot is not settling, call 01306 883 332 or book an appointment.
Frequently asked questions.
Is athlete's foot serious?
For most healthy people it is uncomfortable rather than dangerous, and it responds well to treatment. It matters more for people with diabetes or reduced circulation, where a break in the skin can lead to further problems. Either way it is worth treating early, because it spreads and can lead to nail infections.
How do you get rid of athlete's foot?
Early athlete's foot often responds to antifungal treatment combined with keeping the feet clean and dry. If it is persistent, keeps returning, or you have diabetes or circulation problems, it is worth having it assessed by a podiatrist who can confirm the diagnosis and advise on treatment.
How is athlete's foot spread?
It spreads through contact with the fungus, often on damp floors in changing rooms, pools and shared showers, and via shared towels or footwear. Keeping feet dry, wearing something on your feet in communal areas, and not sharing towels all reduce the risk.