Athlete's foot
Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet. It can affect one or both feet and can become sore or uncomfortable as it often leads to symptoms such as cracked, peeling skin and intense itching. Athlete’s foot usually develops between the toes and can spread to other areas of the feet or body if left untreated.
Understanding athlete's foot
What are the signs & symptoms of athlete’s foot?
The signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot are:
• Itchy, white patches between your toes
• Skin that looks red (but this can be less noticeable on brown or black skin)
• Sore, flaky patches on your feet
• The skin on the feet may become cracked or bleed
• A burning or itching sensation on the feet and toes
• Smelly feet
• Fluid-filled blisters on the soles and sides of your feet
Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi which live on the skin and it’s important to treat it if you get it. If not treated, when these fungi multiply, it can lead to further fungal infections. For example, it can spread to your toenails, causing a fungal nail infection.
Although they’re common and usually nothing to worry about, fungal nail infections can cause discomfort and take a long time to treat.
Athlete’s foot is caused by fungi (dermatophytes) that normally live on the skin, hair and nails. If you have sweaty feet, the skin on your feet is damaged or your feet are wet, this provides an optimal breeding ground for the fungi to grow, causing an infection and symptoms to develop.
It's possible to pass the infection from person to person. The most common way to catch athlete's foot is by direct contact with someone who has the infection, for example, from touching the affected skin of someone with athlete's foot.
You're at an increased risk of catching it if you walk around barefoot, particularly in communal areas such as changing rooms or showers.
We share some helpful dos and don'ts below to help prevent catching athlete’s foot.
Seek treatment from your local Boots pharmacy team if you need help treating athlete’s foot as it’s unlikely that the infection will clear on its own. Your pharmacist will be able to recommend some antifungal medicine that you can buy over the counter that is suitable for you. These treatments are available in the form of:
• Sprays
• Creams
• Powders
Most antifungal medicines will take a few weeks to work. You may find that some treatments aren’t as effective as others. In these instances, you may need to try a few different treatments until you find the right one for you.
Always read the packaging of your chosen medicine. You can also ask your local Boots pharmacy team for help. Not all antifungal medicines are a one-size-fits-all treatment. For example, some are not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women; some are also designed for adults only.
Under the guidance of your pharmacy team, you can consider using over-the-counter treatment to help prevent your athlete’s foot from coming back.
The following athlete’s foot dos and don’ts can also be used to assist both treatment and prevention:
Do:
• Wash your feet every day
• Dry the skin between your toes thoroughly
• Dab your feet dry rather than rubbing them
• Avoid wearing shoes and socks at home – let those feet ‘breathe’!
• Wear a clean pair of socks every day – cotton socks are recommended as they’re a breathable fabric that absorbs moisture well
• Use a different towel for your feet and make sure to wash it regularly
Don’t:
• Share towels, shoes or socks with others
• Walk around barefoot, particularly in communal areas. Choose appropriate footwear, like flip-flops, if you need to walk through showers or changing rooms
• Wear the same footwear for more than two days in a row. Allow your shoes to dry out before you wear them again
• Wear footwear that makes your feet feel hot and sweaty
• Scratch affected skin. Not only can this be painful, but it can also encourage the infection to spread to other parts of your body
Although athlete’s foot is commonly treated with antifungal medicines available to buy from a pharmacy, there are circumstances where you may need to book an appointment with your GP. For example, if you’re in a lot of discomfort and treatments from the pharmacy haven’t worked effectively.
You should also see your GP about athlete’s foot if:
• You have diabetes or circulation problems – foot problems can signify something more serious so avoid self-treating under these circumstances
• You have a weakened immune system
• You have noticed the infection has spread to other parts of your body
• Your foot or leg is hot, painful and red
Your GP will be able to give you more information and discuss the best treatment options for you.
Feet first...
Step into comfort
Frequently asked questions
Several conditions can be mistaken for athlete's foot due to similar symptoms. Some of these conditions include:
1. Eczema: Eczema can cause red, itchy, and inflamed skin, similar to athlete's foot. However, eczema typically affects other areas of the body as well, such as the hands, face, or inner elbows.
2. Psoriasis: Psoriasis can cause red, scaly patches of skin, which may resemble the symptoms of athlete's foot. Psoriasis commonly affects the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back.
3. Contact dermatitis: Contact dermatitis occurs when the skin comes into contact with an irritant or allergen, leading to redness, itching, and inflammation. It can be mistaken for athlete's foot if the irritant or allergen is present on the feet.
4. Dyshidrotic eczema: Dyshidrotic eczema is a type of eczema that affects the hands and feet, causing small, itchy blisters. It can be mistaken for athlete's foot if blisters appear on the feet.
5. Tinea corporis: Tinea corporis, also known as ringworm, can cause circular, red, and itchy patches on the skin. It can be mistaken for athlete's foot if it appears on the feet.
If you suspect you have athlete's foot or any other skin condition, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own, and the fungus that causes the infection will likely continue to grow and multiply causing the infection to spread. It is generally recommended to treat athlete's foot to prevent it from spreading, alleviate symptoms, and promote faster healing.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays can be effective in treating mild cases. It is important to follow the instructions and complete the full course of treatment even if symptoms improve. If the condition does not improve or becomes severe, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate treatment options.
Vicks Vapor Rub is not specifically formulated or approved for the treatment of athlete's foot. While some people may claim that it can help alleviate the symptoms of athlete's foot, there is limited scientific evidence to support this claim. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that typically requires antifungal medications for effective treatment.
Over-the-counter antifungal creams or sprays are commonly recommended by healthcare professionals. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options for athlete's foot.
* Canesten Athlete’s Foot contains clotrimazole. Daktarin Aktiv Spray Powder contains Miconazole nitrate for the treatment of athlete’s foot. Scholl Athlete’s Foot Spray Liquid contains Tolfanate. Always read the label.
