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Athlete's Foot
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Skin Hair Nails

Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that typically affects the skin between the toes, causing itching, burning, and scaling.

Overview

Athlete's foot is a common infection caused by a fungus. It most often affects the space between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked, scaly skin.

Prevention

You can contract athlete's foot from damp surfaces, such as showers, swimming pools, and locker room floors. To prevent infection:

  • Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool
  • Wear clean socks
  • Do not walk barefoot in public areas
  • Wear flip-flops in locker room showers
  • Keep your toenails clean and clipped short

Treatment

Treatments include over-the-counter antifungal creams for most cases and prescription medicines for more serious infections. While these usually clear the infection, it can return.

Frequently Asked Questions

pply a topical antifungal cream, spray, or powder containing terbinafine, clotrimazole, or miconazole twice daily to the affected area and the surrounding skin. Continue treatment for at least 2 weeks after symptoms disappear (usually 4–6 weeks total) to prevent relapse. Keep feet dry, change socks daily, and use powder in shoes.
Seek medical care if the rash does not improve after 2 weeks of OTC therapy, if it spreads to the toenails, if you develop severe pain, swelling, or pus, or if you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, or a weakened immune system. Prescription oral antifungals or stronger topical agents may be needed in these cases.
thlete’s foot usually starts between the toes, especially the fourth and fifth toes, with a moist, red, and scaly rash that may blister or crack. Eczema often appears on the tops or sides of the feet, is dry, and may be associated with a personal or family history of atopic dermatitis. A “mushroom‑shaped” border and a foul odor are classic for fungal infection, whereas eczema tends to be itchy without the characteristic odor. If a KOH skin scraping shows fungal hyphae, the diagnosis is confirmed.
Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between the toes; wear moisture‑wicking socks (cotton or wool) and change them if they become damp; use antifungal powder in shoes; alternate shoes to let them air out; wear shower sandals in public pools, gyms, and locker rooms; and keep toenails trimmed short to reduce fungal habitat.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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