Athlete’s foot: symptoms, causes and treatment

Medical disclaimer: This page is general health information for education only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified health professional. It has not been reviewed by a clinician. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. It usually starts between the toes and causes itching, peeling and cracked skin. This page explains its symptoms, types, causes, risks, diagnosis and treatment. It is general information for adults and teens, not a way to diagnose a foot rash on your own.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus, known in medical terms as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot.

MedlinePlus defines athlete’s foot as an infection of the feet caused by fungus. It is the most common type of tinea infection. The CDC notes that ringworm on the feet is often referred to as athlete’s foot.

The fungi behind athlete’s foot are called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in the outer layer of the skin, hair and nails. You can find related skin and infection topics in our guide to common health conditions.

This page does not cover every foot rash. Other skin conditions can look like athlete’s foot and need a clinician to tell them apart.

Athlete’s foot symptoms

The most common symptom of athlete’s foot is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot.

Symptoms listed by MedlinePlus and the CDC include:

• Red, swollen, peeling, itchy skin between the toes.
• Burning or stinging pain.
• Blisters that ooze or get crusty.
• Symptoms that reach the sole and heel of the foot.
• Toenails that become discolored, thick or crumbly if the fungus spreads to them.

The CDC says athlete’s foot is most common between the pinky toe and the toe next to it. Ringworm symptoms typically appear 4 to 14 days after skin contact with the fungi.

These symptoms are not unique to athlete’s foot, and this list cannot confirm an infection.

Types of athlete’s foot

A clinical review describes four forms of athlete’s foot, and the between-the-toes type is the most common.

A clinical review hosted by the National Library of Medicine describes these forms of tinea pedis:

• Interdigital (between the toes): long-lasting, itchy skin between the toes with peeling, softened skin and small cracks. This is the most common form.
• Moccasin type: patchy or widespread scaling on the bottom and sides of the feet.
• Vesiculobullous type: tense, fluid-filled blisters on the soles that can burn and itch.
• Ulcerative type: a sudden form with ulcers, or open sores, linked to a bacterial infection on top of the fungal one.

The same review states that tinea pedis may affect about 10% of the total population. Adult males have a higher rate of tinea pedis than females.

These type names describe what clinicians see. They do not tell you which treatment you need.

What causes athlete’s foot and how it spreads

Athlete’s foot happens when fungi that thrive in warm, moist places grow on the skin of your feet.

MedlinePlus states that athlete’s foot is easily spread. The fungi can pass from person to person in several ways:

• Direct skin contact with someone who has the infection.
• Contact with shoes, stockings and other shared items.
• Walking barefoot on shower, pool and locker room floors.
• Sharing towels, bedsheets or socks.

The fungi can also spread to other parts of your body. Mayo Clinic explains that athlete’s foot is caused by the same type of fungi that cause jock itch. MedlinePlus notes that a foot infection can reach the groin when a waistband touches the feet while you pull up your pants. Our page on jock itch, the fungal groin rash covers that infection in detail.

Exposure to the fungi does not mean you will get athlete’s foot.

Who is at higher risk

People whose feet stay warm, sweaty or wet for long periods have a higher risk of athlete’s foot.

Risk factors named by MedlinePlus, the CDC and the NLM review include:

• Wearing closed shoes, especially plastic-lined ones, for long periods.
• Keeping your feet wet for long periods, or sweating a lot.
• A minor skin or nail injury on the foot.
• Using community baths, showers and pools.
• Having diabetes.
• Having a weakened immune system.

The NLM review states that individuals with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing tinea pedis. Our page on diabetes symptoms and care explains that condition. The CDC says people with weakened immune systems may be especially at risk for ringworm. Learn how your immune system protects the body.

Risk factors raise the chance of infection. People with none of them can still get athlete’s foot.

How athlete’s foot is diagnosed

Clinicians can usually diagnose athlete’s foot by looking at the skin, and extra tests are often not needed.

When tests are needed, MedlinePlus lists these options:

• A KOH exam, a simple office test that uses a potassium hydroxide solution to check skin scrapings for fungus under a microscope.
• A skin culture of a sample taken from the rash.
• A skin biopsy with a special stain called PAS to identify fungus.

The CDC recommends diagnostic testing before prescribing antifungal treatment. The NLM review lists look-alike conditions, including psoriasis and some types of dermatitis, which means skin inflammation.

This page cannot help you tell these conditions apart at home.

How clinicians treat athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot is usually treated with antifungal medicines applied to the skin, such as creams or powders.

The CDC states that athlete’s foot is usually treated with non-prescription antifungal medications. They are usually applied for 2 to 4 weeks. The NLM review names a group of skin treatments called imidazoles as effective, with a very low rate of side effects.

If athlete’s foot does not get better in 2 to 4 weeks, or keeps coming back, MedlinePlus says a clinician may prescribe:

• Antifungal medicines taken by mouth.
• Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections that occur from scratching.
• Prescription creams that kill the fungus.

The CDC warns against steroid creams for ringworm or for any rash that has not been diagnosed. Steroids can make ringworm worse and help it spread. MedlinePlus notes that athlete’s foot almost always responds well, although it may come back.

This page does not recommend any product, dose or treatment plan. Your clinician chooses treatment based on your exam and health history.

How to lower your risk

Keeping your feet clean and dry is one of the main steps sources list for preventing athlete’s foot.

Prevention steps from the American Academy of Dermatology, the CDC and MedlinePlus include:

• Wear shower shoes, flip-flops or sandals around pools, gyms, showers and locker rooms.
• Wash your feet every day with soap and dry them completely, including between the toes.
• Wear clean socks that dry quickly or wick moisture, and change them every day.
• Alternate shoes so each pair can dry completely between wearings.
• Do not share towels, linens, socks or shoes.
• Keep your toenails clean and clipped short.

These steps lower risk, but they do not guarantee you will avoid infection.

When to see a clinician

See a clinician if athlete’s foot does not improve within 2 to 4 weeks, keeps coming back, or shows signs of a bacterial infection.

MedlinePlus advises contacting your provider right away if your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, especially with red streaks or pain. Pus, drainage and fever are other signs of a possible bacterial infection. The NLM review notes that in severe cases, athlete’s foot can advance to cellulitis, a bacterial infection of the foot and leg.

Mayo Clinic advises that people with diabetes see a clinician if they think they have athlete’s foot. Tell your clinician if you have a weakened immune system, because infections can be more serious. Our guide on how to prepare for an appointment can help. This section does not cover foot rashes in young children, who should be seen by their own clinician.

Questions to bring to your appointment

These questions can help during your visit. They do not replace your clinician’s advice.

• Is this rash athlete’s foot, or could it be another skin condition?
• Do I need a test such as a KOH exam or skin culture?
• How long should treatment last, and what should I expect as it works?
• Has the infection spread to my toenails or other parts of my body?
• Does my diabetes or other health condition change how this should be treated?
• What can I do to keep athlete’s foot from coming back?