Overview
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is caused by the same kind of fungus that causes ringworm and jock itch. The fungus grows in warm, damp places, like sweaty shoes and locker room floors.
It usually starts between the toes but can spread to the sole, sides of the foot, and toenails. It's easy to treat, but it often comes back.
Symptoms
Symptoms often start between the smallest toes.
- Itchy or peeling feet
- Itching, burning, or stinging
- Cracked, flaky skin between the toes
- Smelly feet
Less common
- Red, scaly soles or sides of the feet
- Blisters that ooze or crust
- Thick, yellow, or crumbly nails
How it usually goes
- 4 to 14 days after contact: Itching and peeling start.
- 1 to 2 weeks of treatment: Itching eases.
- 2 to 4 weeks: Most cases clear.
Look up a symptom: Itching · Itchy or peeling feet · Smelly feet · Thick, yellow, or crumbly nails
When to get medical care
Causes
Athlete's foot is caused by dermatophyte fungi that grow in warm, damp places. It spreads by touching an infected person's skin or damp surfaces like shower floors, towels, and shoes.
Does it spread or run in families?
- Yes, it can spread from person to person.
- How it spreads: touch.
- Don't share towels, hats, combs, or bedding while it's being treated.
Who is more likely to get it
- Sweaty feet or tight, closed shoes
- Walking barefoot in locker rooms, pools, or showers
- Sharing towels, socks, or shoes
- Diabetes or a weak immune system
Possible complications
- Nail fungus: The fungus spreads to the toenails
- Cellulitis: Bacteria get in through cracked skin
- Jock itch: The fungus spreads to the groin
Diagnosis
A healthcare professional can usually tell by looking at your feet.
Questions you may be asked
- How long you've had the rash
- Whether it itches, burns, or blisters
- Use of public showers, pools, or gyms
- Diabetes or poor circulation
- Treatments you've tried
The exam
They'll look between your toes, on your soles, and at your toenails.
Tests
If the diagnosis isn't clear:
- Skin scraping: A small sample is checked under a microscope or grown in a lab to find fungus.
Treatment
Most athlete's foot clears with over-the-counter antifungal medicine.
Self-care
- Use an antifungal cream, spray, or powder as the label says
- Keep using it 1 to 2 weeks after the rash clears so it doesn't come back
- Dry your feet well, especially between the toes
- Change socks every day, or more if they get damp
- Switch shoes so each pair can dry out
- Wear sandals in public showers and pools
Medicines
Antifungal creams and powders kill the fungus.
| Medicine | Helps with | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal creams and powders Miconazole | Itching, peeling, and the infection | Use for as long as the label says, even if it looks better. Call if not better in 2 to 4 weeks. |
| Antifungal pills | Severe infections or nail fungus | May need blood tests. Can interact with other medicines. |
If creams don't work in 2 to 4 weeks, your healthcare professional may prescribe stronger creams or antifungal pills.
How it compares
| Athlete's foot | Dyshidrotic eczema | Contact dermatitis | Nail fungus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where | Between toes, soles | Sides of toes and fingers | Where shoes touch | Toenails |
| Looks like | Peeling, cracking | Tiny itchy blisters | Red rash | Thick, yellow nails |
| Treatment | Antifungal cream | Moisturizer, steroid cream | Avoid the cause | Antifungal pills |
Prevention
You can lower the chance of athlete's foot:
- Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
- Wear sandals in locker rooms and public showers
- Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks
- Don't share towels, socks, or shoes
- Use antifungal powder if you get it often
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).
Back to school, work, or sports
- You can go to school or work once treatment starts. Keep the area covered and don't share towels.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Diabetes: Check your feet daily. Cracks can let in bacteria and cause serious infections.
- Athletes and teens: Common in locker rooms. Wear sandals and dry feet well.
- Repeat cellulitis: If you get leg skin infections, treat athlete's foot to lower the risk.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Athlete's foot usually clears with treatment, but it often comes back. Keeping feet dry and treating it early help.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring the products you've used.
What to bring
- Names of creams and powders you've tried
- How long you used them
- Whether you have diabetes
Questions to ask
- Is this athlete's foot or something else?
- Do I need a prescription?
- Are my nails infected too?
- How can I keep it from coming back?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.