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Athletes Foot
Mild
Athletes foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. It often causes itching, burning, redness, scaling and cracking, especially between the toes. The infection can spread to the soles or sides of the feet and may sometimes affect the toenails. It thrives in warm, damp environments and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Body System
Skin Hair & Nails
When to Seek Medical Attention
Athlete’s foot is usually not an emergency. Seek medical care if symptoms persist despite treatment, spread extensively, become painful, or are accompanied by swelling, drainage, fever, or signs of bacterial infection. People with conditions that increase infection risk may need earlier assessment.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Athletes foot is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. It often causes itching, burning, redness, scaling and cracking, especially between the toes. The infection can spread to the soles or sides of the feet and may sometimes affect the toenails. It thrives in warm, damp environments and can spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects.
Symptoms 3
Blisters
Daytime Sleepiness
Early Morning Awakening
Causes 1
Athletes foot is caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi grow well in warm, moist areas such as locker rooms, communal showers, swimming-pool areas and inside damp footwear. Infection can occur when a person walks barefoot on contaminated surfaces or shares towels, shoes or other personal items with someone who has the infection.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk increases when the feet remain warm and moist for long periods. Wearing tight or poorly ventilated shoes, sweating heavily, walking barefoot in communal areas and sharing towels or footwear can increase exposure. People who have had athletes foot before may develop it again. Certain medical conditions or treatments that weaken immune defenses may also increase susceptibility.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Athletes foot is often diagnosed by examining the affected skin and recognizing its typical appearance. A healthcare professional may take a small skin scraping for microscopic examination or laboratory testing when the diagnosis is uncertain, the infection is severe or another skin condition could look similar. Nail involvement may require additional testing.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Keep the feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
Change socks regularly and allow shoes to dry completely before wearing them again
Choose footwear that allows air circulation and avoid sharing shoes, socks or towels
Wear sandals or other protective footwear in communal showers, locker rooms and pool areas
Treating an infection promptly can also reduce spread to other people or body areas
Prevention Guidance
Keep the feet clean and dry, especially between the toes. Change socks regularly and allow shoes to dry completely before wearing them again. Choose footwear that allows air circulation and avoid sharing shoes, socks or towels. Wear sandals or other protective footwear in communal showers, locker rooms and pool areas. Treating an infection promptly can also reduce spread to other people or body areas.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh vegetables
Support immunity
Yogurt
Healthy nutrition
Water
Hydration
Foods to Avoid
Sugary foods
May worsen fungal growth
Processed foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A fungal infection affecting the feet.
Between the toes.
Warm and moist environments favor fungal growth.
Yes, to other body parts or people.
Keep feet clean and dry.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.