Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It can be uncomfortable, itchy and sometimes painful, but it can usually be treated successfully with an antifungal medicine from a pharmacy.
The important thing is to treat athlete’s foot as a fungal infection rather than relying on unproven “natural cures”. Good foot hygiene also matters because the infection can spread to other parts of the body and to other people.
Important: This article is for general information and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet.
It commonly affects the skin between the toes, but it can also appear on the soles and sides of the feet.
Typical symptoms include:
- itchy or sore skin between the toes
- white, flaky or peeling skin
- redness
- cracked skin
- burning or irritation
- occasionally, fluid-filled blisters
On brown or black skin, redness may be less obvious.
If athlete’s foot is not treated, the infection can spread to the toenails and contribute to a fungal nail infection.
How do you catch athlete’s foot?
The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in warm, damp environments.
You can catch it through contact with infected skin or by walking barefoot in places where the fungus may be present, such as communal showers and changing rooms.
You are more likely to develop athlete’s foot if your feet are frequently sweaty or if the skin is damaged.
What is the best treatment for athlete’s foot?
The usual treatment is an antifungal medicine.
Many antifungal treatments are available from pharmacies without a prescription. They may come as:
- creams
- sprays
- powders
Common antifungal ingredients include terbinafine, clotrimazole and ketoconazole.
The best choice depends on the product, your age, symptoms and circumstances, so check the instructions or ask a pharmacist.
Antifungal medicines work by killing the fungus or stopping it from growing. They generally need to be used regularly for the recommended length of time, even if the symptoms start improving.
Do not stop treatment early simply because the itching has gone.
How long does athlete’s foot take to clear?
It can take a few weeks for athlete’s foot to settle, depending on the treatment and the severity of the infection.
Some antifungal creams can take several weeks to produce their full effect. Follow the instructions that come with the particular medicine rather than assuming that a treatment has failed after only a few days.
If treatment from a pharmacy is not working, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
What can you do at home?
Good foot care is an important part of treatment and helps reduce the chance of the infection returning.
Keep your feet clean and dry
Wash your feet regularly and dry them carefully afterwards, particularly between the toes.
Dabbing the skin dry rather than vigorously rubbing it can be more comfortable when the skin is sore or cracked.
Change your socks every day
Fresh socks help reduce moisture around the feet.
Choose socks that are comfortable and breathable, and change them more often if your feet become particularly sweaty.
Give your shoes time to dry
Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes continuously. Let shoes dry between uses and avoid footwear that makes your feet hot and sweaty.
Do not share towels or footwear
Athlete’s foot can spread to other people.
Use a separate towel for your feet and wash towels regularly. Do not share socks, shoes or towels.
Avoid scratching
Scratching can damage the skin and may spread the infection to other areas.
Can natural remedies cure athlete’s foot?
This is where we need to be careful.
There are many traditional suggestions for athlete’s foot, including tea tree oil, vinegar, baking soda and various plant extracts. Some have been studied in laboratory or small clinical settings, but that is not the same as having strong evidence that they are a reliable treatment for athlete’s foot.
Natural does not automatically mean safer or more effective.
We therefore do not recommend replacing an appropriate antifungal medicine with a kitchen-cupboard remedy.
Tea tree oil in particular is sometimes promoted as a natural antifungal treatment. It can also irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions in some people. If you want to use a complementary product, speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional first rather than applying it to cracked or inflamed skin.
Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes.
The infection can spread from person to person through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
You can reduce the risk of spreading it by:
- keeping your feet covered in communal changing rooms and showers
- not sharing towels, socks or shoes
- washing towels regularly
- keeping your feet clean and dry
- treating the infection promptly
You generally do not need to stay away from work or school simply because you have athlete’s foot.
What if the skin is cracked or bleeding?
Cracked skin can be part of athlete’s foot, particularly between the toes.
Keep the area clean and dry and follow the instructions for your antifungal treatment.
If your foot becomes very painful, hot, swollen or increasingly red, seek medical advice. These symptoms can indicate a bacterial infection or another problem that needs different treatment.
When should you see a doctor?
Speak to a GP or other healthcare professional if:
- pharmacy treatment has not worked
- your symptoms are getting worse
- you are in a lot of pain
- the infection is spreading to other parts of your body
- your foot or leg becomes hot, painful and red
- you develop signs of another infection
- you are unsure whether the problem is actually athlete’s foot
It is particularly important to seek medical advice if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, because foot problems can be more serious in these circumstances.
Athlete’s foot or something else?
Not every itchy, flaky or cracked foot is athlete’s foot.
Eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis and other skin conditions can produce similar symptoms.
If a treatment for athlete’s foot is not helping, do not simply keep trying different home remedies. A pharmacist or doctor can assess the skin and decide whether you need a different treatment or further investigation.
Can athlete’s foot spread to your nails?
Yes.
Untreated athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails and contribute to fungal nail infection.
Signs of a fungal nail infection can include a nail becoming thicker, discoloured, brittle or crumbly.
Treating athlete’s foot promptly and keeping your feet dry can help reduce the risk.
How to prevent athlete’s foot coming back
Athlete’s foot has a habit of returning, especially when feet are repeatedly warm and damp.
Keep following good foot-care habits after your symptoms improve:
Dry your feet carefully, particularly between the toes.
Change your socks every day.
Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty.
Allow shoes to dry between uses.
Wear flip-flops or other footwear in communal showers and changing rooms.
Do not share towels, socks or shoes.
These simple habits can make a significant difference.
The bottom line
Athlete’s foot is common, treatable and usually not serious.
The most reliable approach is an appropriate antifungal treatment, supported by good foot hygiene and keeping the feet dry. Pharmacy treatments are available in several forms, including creams, sprays and powders.
There is nothing wrong with wanting a simple or natural approach to minor health problems, but athlete’s foot is a fungal infection. We should not confuse traditional remedies with proven treatment.
And if the infection is painful, spreading, not responding to treatment, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, it is time to involve a healthcare professional.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition, and it should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Skin conditions can look similar to one another. If you are unsure whether you have athlete’s foot, if symptoms are persistent or worsening, or if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Do not delay medical care because of information read on Natural Health Kingdom.
Natural Health Kingdom does not accept responsibility for any loss or injury resulting from reliance on information contained in this article.