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.
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.
Common questions
- 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.