If you’ve ever had itchy, peeling skin between your toes or on the soles of your feet, chances are you’ve experienced athlete’s foot. Despite the name, you don’t have to be an athlete to get it.
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot (medical name: tinea pedis) is a contagious fungal infection that typically affects the skin on the feet. It’s caused by dermatophytes; fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, like sweaty socks, gym locker rooms, and damp shoes. The infection often begins between the toes and can spread to other parts of the foot. If left untreated, it can even spread to the toenails or hands.
Common Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot:
- Itching, burning, or stinging sensations (especially between the toes)
- Red, scaly, or cracked skin
- Peeling or flaking skin
- Blisters in some cases
- Thickened or discolored toenails if the fungus spreads
How Do You Get It?
Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact; either person-to-person or by touching contaminated surfaces. Walking barefoot in communal areas like gym showers, public pools, or locker rooms is a common way to pick it up. Wearing tight, sweaty shoes or not changing your socks regularly creates the perfect environment for the fungus to grow.
How Is It Treated?
Most mild cases of athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. These typically contain ingredients like clotrimazole, terbinafine, or miconazole.
When to See a Podiatrist:
- If symptoms don’t improve after two weeks of self-treatment
- If you have diabetes or a compromised immune system
- If the infection spreads to your toenails or hands
- If your skin is cracked, painful, or appears to be infected
In more severe or stubborn cases, we may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications to fully clear the infection.
How Can You Prevent Athlete’s Foot?
Prevention is all about keeping your feet clean, dry, and protected. Here are a few practical tips:
1. Keep Your Feet Dry:
Dry between your toes thoroughly after bathing or swimming. Fungus loves moisture.
2. Wear Breathable Footwear:
Choose shoes made of materials that allow your feet to breathe. Avoid tight, non-ventilated footwear for long periods.
3. Change Socks Daily (or More Often):
If your feet sweat a lot, bring an extra pair of socks and switch mid-day.
4. Use Shower Shoes in Public Areas:
Protect your feet from exposure in locker rooms, gyms, and pool decks.
5. Don’t Share Towels or Footwear:
Fungus can easily spread through shared personal items.
6. Use Antifungal Powder or Spray Preventatively:
Especially if you’re active or prone to sweaty feet.
Athlete’s foot is annoying, itchy, and contagious—but very treatable. At Montana Foot & Ankle, we help patients of all ages clear up stubborn infections and prevent recurrence. If you’re dealing with persistent symptoms, don’t wait. The sooner we treat it, the sooner your feet can feel normal again.