How Can I Get Rid of Athlete's Foot?

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The infection commonly develops:

• Between the toes
• On the soles of the feet
• Around the sides of the feet

The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, locker rooms, and public showers.

Common Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Symptoms may include:

• Itching or burning
• Redness
• Dry or peeling skin
• Cracking between the toes
• Scaling or flaking skin
• Foot odor
• Blisters in more severe cases

Without treatment, the infection may spread to other parts of the foot or toenails.

How Is Athlete’s Foot Treated?

Keep Feet Dry

Reducing moisture is one of the most important steps in treatment.

Helpful strategies include:

• Changing socks regularly
• Wearing breathable shoes
• Allowing shoes to dry fully between uses
• Using moisture-wicking socks

Use Antifungal Medications

Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal treatments may help eliminate the infection.

Common options include:

• Antifungal creams
• Powders
• Sprays
• Liquid treatments

Treatment often needs to continue for several weeks, even after symptoms improve.

How Can You Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

You may reduce your risk by:

• Keeping feet clean and dry
• Wearing sandals in public locker rooms or pools
• Changing socks after exercise
• Avoiding tight or non-breathable shoes
• Not sharing towels or shoes

People who sweat heavily or spend long hours in closed footwear may be more prone to recurring infections.

When Should You See a Podiatrist?

You should consider seeing a foot specialist if:

• Symptoms are not improving with over-the-counter treatment
• The infection keeps returning
• You develop painful cracks or sores
• The infection spreads to the toenails
• You have diabetes or circulation problems

Persistent fungal infections may require prescription treatment.

About Dr. Eman Elmi

Dr. Eman Elmi is a podiatrist and foot and ankle specialist affiliated with BASS Medical Group and Diablo Foot & Ankle. Dr. Elmi treats a wide range of foot and ankle conditions, including fungal infections, foot pain, and minimally invasive foot procedures.

Video Transcript

Athlete’s foot develops as an irritation of the skin due to a fungal infection, typically between the toes and on the bottom of the foot.

It often occurs when there is an excess of sweat or moisture inside your socks and shoes.

The first step in treating athlete’s foot is ensuring that the environment of your shoes is dry.

If needed, change your socks a few times a day.

After that, it’s important to apply some sort of antifungal treatment, such as a topical powder or liquid.

I’m Dr. Eman Elmi, and thank you for watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Yes. Athlete’s foot can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces such as locker room floors and shared shoes.

Can athlete’s foot go away on its own?

Mild cases may improve, but treatment is usually recommended to prevent worsening or spreading.

How long does athlete’s foot treatment take?

Many cases improve within a few weeks, although severe or recurring infections may take longer.

Can athlete’s foot spread to toenails?

Yes. Untreated fungal infections may spread to the toenails and cause fungal nail infections.