Athlete’s foot might seem like a relatively minor annoyance or a cosmetic problem, but it can lead to significant complications.
It’s more common in men and older adults, and though it can develop at any time, it becomes more of an issue in warmer, humid climates.
So, in summertime, keep an eye on your feet and take steps to prevent athlete’s foot from becoming a major problem.
“Athlete’s foot can be a portal of entry for some dangerous infections, particularly in the elderly and people with diabetes,” explains Georgeanne Botek, DPM, Head of Podiatry at Cleveland Clinic. “So, it’s important to realize that it is a problem.”
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Known clinically as tinea pedis, athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet and toes that causes itching and burning. The fungus that causes athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments, like sweaty feet and damp socks and shoes.
Athlete’s foot can present on one or both feet as dry, scaly skin on the soles or between the toes (especially the fourth and fifth toes). It can be mistaken for dry skin, dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis. In some cases, it manifests as a blistering rash or pustules, and it can involve the hair of the feet and toenails.
The infection can spread easily to other people who come into contact with your affected skin or shared items your skin has touched, like towels, bed sheets, and bathmats. Left untreated, it can spread to other areas of your body, such as the groin (jock itch). You also can pick up the fungus from public areas, such as gym locker rooms, showers, and areas around swimming pools.
People with diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or weakened immune systems face a higher risk of serious complications from athlete’s foot, particularly cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the skin that, if advanced, can be limb threatening. If you have one of these conditions and you develop athlete’s foot, see your doctor.
“Many times, athlete’s foot is asymptomatic,” Dr. Botek says. “But in the elderly or others at higher risk, we can see serious complications that can end up with multiple visits to the doctor, multiple prescription medications and impairment to your normal activity.”
Athlete’s Foot Treatment
Preventing athlete’s foot and its complications begins with good foot hygiene and care.
If you notice dryness, cracking or scaling of the skin between your toes, apply an antifungal cream—examples include ciclopirox (Loprox), naftifine (Naftin) and terbinafine (Lamisil A)—Dr. Botek advises. You can also use antifungal powders or sprays containing miconazole, clotrimazole, or tolnaftate.
Apply them at least once a day (twice daily is better) for at least four weeks, Dr. Botek says. Importantly, continue to use them for a week or two after symptoms resolve, to help prevent the infection from returning.
If athlete’s foot doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatment or if you develop signs of a bacterial infection (e.g., a warm/swollen foot, redness, pain, pus and fever), call your health-care provider. You might need stronger oral antifungal medications to kick the infection.
“Athlete’s foot is often unrecognized, undiagnosed, and undertreated,” Dr. Botek says. “Without medical guidance, a lot of people don’t know what to do, or they don’t stick with the treatment and it comes back. If you have dealt with athlete’s foot or think you have it, it may not be a quick fix.”
Athlete’s Foot Self-Care
- Wash your feet at least daily, and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.
- Change your socks at least daily, and wear socks made from materials that absorb moisture, like cotton. Don’t sleep with socks on, and don’t wear shoes without socks.
- Wear shoes that are well ventilated, and wear a different pair on consecutive days, to give them an opportunity to dry.
- Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around locker rooms, public pools, and showers.
- Keep your feet dry at night with antiperspirant sprays or powders.
- Spray disinfectant (e.g., Lysol) into damp shoes to help kill the fungi that cause athlete’s foot.
- Apply moisturizer if you have fissures, cracks, or dry skin on the soles of your feet. Use only a sparse amount, and avoid putting it between your toes.
- Inspect your feet periodically, especially if you have diabetes. Place a mirror on the floor to make it easier to examine the bottoms of your feet, or have someone check them for you.
