--- title: "Athlete's foot: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers" description: "A plain-English guide to athlete" url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/athletes-foot/ robots: noindex --- # Athlete's foot: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment | HealthAnswers Health A–Z A plain-English guide to athlete's foot — symptoms, treatment and prevention. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 Updated 23 September 2026 ## Quick answer What is athlete's foot? Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that usually starts between the toes, causing itchy, flaky and sometimes cracked skin. It is easily treated with antifungal creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy, and good foot hygiene helps stop it coming back. General UK health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency call 999 ; for urgent advice use [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/) (GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland). On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about athlete's foot - Athlete's foot is a fungal infection, usually starting between the toes. - It causes itchy, flaky, sometimes cracked or sore skin. - Pharmacy antifungal treatments clear most cases. - Keeping feet clean and dry helps prevent it returning. ## What is athlete’s foot? Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal skin infection of the feet. Despite the name, you do not have to be sporty to get it — the fungus thrives anywhere warm and damp, which makes feet ideal territory. It is easy to treat and rarely serious. ## Symptoms Athlete’s foot usually causes: - itchy, flaky or peeling skin, typically between the toes - redness or soreness - cracked or split skin - sometimes small blisters or a burning feeling It can spread to the soles or sides of the feet, and occasionally to toenails. ## How it spreads The fungi spread through flakes of infected skin — on changing-room and pool floors, in showers, and via shared towels. Warm, sweaty feet inside shoes give the fungus the conditions it likes. ## Treatment Antifungal creams, sprays and powders from a pharmacy clear most cases. Use the treatment for the full time stated, even once symptoms have gone, or the infection can return. Keep feet clean and thoroughly dry, especially between the toes. ## Prevention Dry feet well after washing, change socks daily, let shoes dry out between wears, and wear flip-flops in communal wet areas. See a GP if treatment does not work, the infection spreads or affects nails, or if you have diabetes — foot problems need closer attention then. ## ! When to see a GP about athlete's foot See a pharmacist first — they can recommend an antifungal treatment. See a GP if treatment has not worked after a few weeks, the infection is spreading or severe, your toenails are affected, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, as foot infections need closer attention in those cases. ## Common questions about athlete's foot What causes athlete's foot? It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp places — sweaty feet, communal showers, changing rooms and pool floors. It spreads through skin flakes on floors and shared towels. How do I get rid of athlete's foot? Antifungal creams, sprays or powders from a pharmacy clear most cases. Use them for as long as the packet says, even after symptoms improve, and keep feet clean and dry while treating. Is athlete's foot contagious? Yes — it spreads easily via floors, towels and socks. Wear flip-flops in communal showers, don't share towels, and wash socks regularly to avoid passing it on or reinfecting yourself. How can I stop it coming back? Dry your feet thoroughly (especially between the toes), change socks daily, alternate shoes so they dry out, and use flip-flops in shared wet areas. An antifungal powder can help if you are prone to it. ## Sources - [NHS — Athlete's foot](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/athletes-foot/) ## How we reviewed this page Medically reviewed by the [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) First published 26 March 2026 Medically reviewed 3 July 2026 Last updated 23 September 2026 (editorial change, not a new clinical review) Next review due 3 July 2029 or sooner if NHS or NICE guidance changes Written by HealthAnswers editorial team. Published by HealthAnswers (Elite Digital AI Solutions Ltd). [How we review content](https://healthanswers.co.uk/about/how-we-review/) · [Report a problem with this page](mailto:corrections@healthanswers.co.uk?subject=Problem%20with%3A%20Athlete)