Athlete's Foot

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot, also called tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin. It commonly affects the spaces between the toes or the sole. The infection can spread to toenails and can also create cracks that allow bacteria to enter.

Common symptoms

• Itching, burning, or stinging
• Peeling or scaling between the toes
• Dry, powdery skin on the sole
• Cracks, blisters, or redness
• An odor or moist skin between the toes

Eczema, contact irritation, psoriasis, and bacterial infection may resemble athlete's foot.

Why it happens

Fungus grows well in warm, moist shoes and shared wet areas. Sweaty feet, damp socks, tight footwear, and walking barefoot in locker rooms or pool areas can raise risk.

How we evaluate a foot rash

We examine the pattern and location of the rash and check the nails. A skin scraping or other test may be used when the diagnosis is unclear or the rash has not responded to treatment.

Treatment options

Care may include:

• Topical antifungal medicine
• Oral treatment for selected widespread or resistant cases
• Keeping the feet and toe spaces dry
• Changing socks and rotating shoes
• Treatment of fungal toenails when they are a source of reinfection

Steroid cream used without the right diagnosis can change the appearance of a fungal rash and allow it to spread.

When to schedule an appointment

Schedule care if the rash is painful, recurring, spreading, or not improving. Seek prompt care for warmth, swelling, pus, fever, or rapidly increasing redness.

Frequently asked questions

Do only athletes get athlete's foot?

No. Anyone can develop it. The name comes from the warm, shared environments often used by athletes.

Can it spread to my toenails?

Yes. Skin fungus can spread to nails, and fungal nails can contribute to repeated skin infection.

How can I lower the chance it returns?

Dry carefully between the toes, change damp socks, rotate shoes, and wear sandals in shared wet areas.

How to prepare for your appointment

Bring a list or photo of products you have tried and note when the skin change began. Avoid trimming, scraping, or applying a new medicated product immediately before the visit when possible.

Related care

You may also want to explore foot skin and nail care, plantar warts, and corns and calluses.

Foot and ankle care close to home

Signature Foot and Ankle provides personalized care at our Boynton Beach and Loxahatchee offices. Call 561 203 9285 or request an appointment online.