Athlete's foot

Published by Bupa's Health Information Team, May 2010.

This factsheet is for people who have athlete's foot, or who would like information about it.

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. It causes itchy feet and is usually easy to treat. Swimming, hot weather and footwear can increase the risk of athlete's foot.

About athlete's foot

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a very common fungal infection of the skin. Between one and three out of 10 people have athlete's foot. It causes scaling of the skin, commonly between the toes and on the bottom of your feet. Sometimes the skin becomes pale and can be itchy. The infection is often picked up from contaminated skin fragments in public places, such as shower facilities, changing rooms and gyms. The fungus grows in warm, moist environments such as your trainers.

Symptoms of athlete's foot

There are a number of different symptoms of athlete's foot including:

• itchy feet, especially between your toes
• soggy, white skin between your toes
• dry and flaky skin on the bottom of your feet
• blisters on the bottom of your feet
• cracked skin between your toes

Causes of athlete's foot

Most athlete's foot is picked up from swimming pools, showers and changing rooms. It's often caused by a fungus that grows in warm, dark and damp environments, such as shoes.

A number of things can make athlete's foot more likely. You're more at risk if you:

• have diabetes
• have a weakened immune system
• don't dry your feet properly after bathing or showering
• wear trainers or socks made of material that

Diagnosis of athlete's foot

If you think you have athlete's foot, you should visit your GP or pharmacist. He or she will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Your GP or pharmacist may also ask you about your medical history.

If you have athlete's foot that doesn't respond to treatment, you should see your GP who may take a sample to send for investigation

Treatment of athlete's foot

There are several treatments for athlete's foot.

Self help

Most people can treat athlete's foot at home. If you have athlete's foot, it's important that you wash your feet frequently. You should dry your feet thoroughly, especially between your toes.

If your child has athlete's foot, he or she doesn't need to stay off school. However, it's important that he or she avoids scratching the skin to ensure that the infection isn't transmitted to others. You should also inform your child's teacher so that the appropriate footwear and precautions can be put in place during sports and gym activities.

Medicines

You can treat athlete's foot with antifungal creams, lotions or medicated powders which are available over-the-counter from a pharmacist, without a prescription. Antifungal creams such as clotrimazole (Canesten) are effective at treating most cases of athlete's foot. You will need to use the treatment for one to two weeks after your symptoms have cleared up to help prevent athlete's foot coming back. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your medicine.

If over-the-counter treatments don't work, or your athlete's foot is severe, then visit your GP. He or she may prescribe a stronger antifungal cream combined with a corticosteroid, or an antifungal in tablet form.

Prevention of athlete's foot

It's important that you have good foot hygiene. There are a number of things you can do to help prevent athlete's foot including:

• wash your feet daily
• dry your feet well, especially in between your toes
• wear cotton socks and change them daily
• wear trainers that keep your feet cool and dry
• wear flip-flops in communal changing rooms and showers
• don't wear someone else's shoes
• don't share towels
• don't scratch infected skin, as you may spread the infection

For answers to frequently asked questions on this topic, see Common questions.

For sources and links to further information, see Resources.