Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that commonly develops between the toes or along the bottom and sides of the feet. It can cause itching, burning, peeling, cracking, and persistent irritation.
At Preferred Footcare, our podiatrists diagnose and treat athlete’s foot in Stamford, Connecticut. We determine whether a fungal infection is causing your symptoms and recommend treatment based on its location, severity, and response to previous care.
If an itchy or peeling rash on your foot is spreading, keeps returning, or has not improved with home treatment, call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment with Preferred Footcare.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot, also called tinea pedis, is caused by a group of fungi that grow on the outer layers of the skin. These organisms thrive in warm, damp environments, especially around sweaty feet and enclosed footwear.
The infection often begins between the toes but may spread to the soles, sides, or tops of the feet. It can affect one or both feet and may occur alongside a fungal toenail infection.
Athlete’s foot is not limited to athletes. Anyone can develop the condition, particularly when the feet remain damp or come into contact with contaminated surfaces.
Different forms of athlete’s foot include:
Interdigital Athlete’s Foot
This form develops between the toes, often between the fourth and fifth toes. The skin may become itchy, soft, white, cracked, or peeling.
Moccasin-Type Athlete’s Foot
Moccasin-type athlete’s foot affects the bottom, heel, and sides of the foot. It may cause widespread dryness, scaling, and thickened or cracked skin.
Vesicular Athlete’s Foot
This form causes fluid-filled blisters, often along the sole or arch. The blisters may be itchy, painful, or surrounded by red skin.
What Causes Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot develops when fungi grow on the skin. The infection can spread through direct contact with an infected person or through contaminated floors, towels, socks, shoes, or other personal items.
Factors that may increase the risk include:
- Walking barefoot in communal showers
- Using public pools or locker rooms
- Wearing damp socks
- Wearing tight, enclosed shoes
- Having feet that sweat heavily
- Sharing towels, shoes, or socks
- Wearing the same shoes before they have dried
- Having a weakened immune system
- Experiencing circulation problems
- Having diabetes
- Having an existing fungal toenail infection
- Not drying carefully between the toes
The fungi responsible for athlete’s foot prefer warm and moist conditions. Keeping the feet damp inside shoes for extended periods can create an environment where the infection is more likely to grow.
Scratching an infected area may also transfer the fungus to the toenails, hands, or other parts of the body.
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms
Athlete’s foot can look different depending on the type of infection and which part of the foot is affected.
Common symptoms include:
- Itching between the toes
- Burning or stinging
- Peeling or scaling skin
- Dry, cracked skin
- Redness and inflammation
- Soft or white skin between the toes
- Small fluid-filled blisters
- Raw or tender areas
- Thickened skin along the sole
- An unpleasant odor
- Symptoms that worsen after removing shoes and socks
Athlete’s foot may resemble eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, or a bacterial infection. Using the wrong treatment may allow the condition to continue or become more irritated.
When to Seek Professional Care
Schedule an appointment if:
- The rash is spreading
- Symptoms keep returning
- Over-the-counter treatment has not helped
- The skin is painful or severely cracked
- Blisters or open areas develop
- You notice swelling, warmth, or drainage
- The toenails become thick or discolored
- You are unsure whether the condition is fungal
- You have diabetes or poor circulation
- You have a weakened immune system
Seek prompt care if redness spreads rapidly, the foot becomes increasingly swollen, or you develop a fever. These symptoms may indicate a bacterial infection requiring additional treatment.
How Athlete’s Foot Is Diagnosed
Athlete’s foot can sometimes be identified by its appearance and location. However, several skin conditions can cause similar symptoms, so an accurate diagnosis is important when the problem is persistent or does not respond to treatment.
During your appointment, the podiatrist may:
- Examine the skin between the toes
- Inspect the soles and sides of the feet
- Check for blisters, cracking, or drainage
- Examine the toenails for fungal changes
- Ask when the symptoms began
- Review previous treatments
- Discuss activities and footwear
- Check for signs of bacterial infection
- Evaluate circulation and sensation when necessary
A small skin sample may be collected and examined or sent for laboratory testing. This can help confirm whether a fungal organism is present and rule out other skin conditions.
Identifying the correct condition helps prevent unnecessary treatment and allows the podiatrist to select an appropriate medication.
Athlete’s Foot Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the type and severity of the infection, the area involved, and whether the toenails are also affected.
Topical Antifungal Medication
Mild or localized athlete’s foot may be treated with an antifungal cream, spray, powder, or solution applied directly to the affected skin.
The medication should be used for the full recommended period, even if symptoms begin to improve sooner. Stopping treatment too early may allow the infection to return.
Prescription-Strength Treatment
A prescription topical medication may be recommended when nonprescription products have not worked or when the infection is more extensive.
Oral Antifungal Medication
Oral antifungal medication may be considered for a severe, widespread, or persistent infection. It may also be recommended when a fungal toenail infection is present.
The podiatrist will review your health history and current medications before determining whether an oral treatment is appropriate.
Treatment of Secondary Infection
Cracked or blistered skin can allow bacteria to enter. If a bacterial infection develops, additional medication or wound care may be needed.
Footwear and Moisture Control
Medication may not be enough if the feet remain damp or contaminated footwear is repeatedly worn. Treatment may include recommendations for drying the feet, changing socks, rotating shoes, and using antifungal powder.
Fungal Toenail Treatment
Athlete’s foot may spread to the toenails, and infected toenails can contribute to recurring skin infections. Both conditions may need to be treated to reduce reinfection.
Preventing Athlete’s Foot From Returning
Athlete’s foot can return after successful treatment, especially when the feet remain exposed to warm, damp conditions.
Helpful preventive measures include:
- Wash the feet daily
- Dry carefully between the toes
- Change socks when they become damp
- Choose moisture-wicking socks
- Rotate shoes and allow them to dry
- Wear breathable footwear
- Use sandals in communal showers
- Avoid sharing shoes, towels, or socks
- Wash towels and socks regularly
- Apply antifungal powder when recommended
- Treat fungal toenails
- Avoid scratching affected skin
- Complete the full course of treatment
If one pair of shoes repeatedly causes excessive sweating, allow it to dry completely before wearing it again. Alternating between different pairs may help control moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Athlete’s Foot
Is athlete’s foot contagious?
Yes. The fungus can spread through direct skin contact or contaminated floors, towels, socks, shoes, and other personal items.
Can athlete’s foot spread to the toenails?
Yes. The infection can spread from the skin to the toenails, causing them to become thickened, discolored, brittle, or difficult to trim.
Can athlete’s foot go away on its own?
Athlete’s foot may continue or spread without appropriate treatment. Even when symptoms temporarily improve, the fungal infection may remain on the skin.
Why does my athlete’s foot keep returning?
Recurrence may occur if treatment is stopped too early, footwear remains contaminated, the feet stay damp, or a fungal toenail infection is also present.
Should I use moisturizer on athlete’s foot?
Moisturizer may help certain areas of dry skin, but applying it between the toes can trap moisture and worsen some fungal infections. Ask your podiatrist for guidance based on the type of rash.
How long does athlete’s foot treatment take?
Treatment time varies according to the severity and type of infection. Medication should be continued for the full period recommended by your healthcare provider.
When should someone with diabetes see a podiatrist?
A person with diabetes should seek professional care for cracking, blisters, redness, drainage, or any new foot rash. Reduced sensation and circulation problems can make complications more difficult to detect.
Schedule an Athlete’s Foot Evaluation in Stamford, CT
An ongoing foot rash may require more than a general skin cream. Preferred Footcare can determine whether your symptoms are caused by athlete’s foot and recommend treatment to clear the infection and reduce recurrence.
Call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment online for athlete’s foot treatment in Stamford, Connecticut.
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