Athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection. It is easy to treat, but it can spread easily and may return after treatment.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
Diagnosis
A pharmacist can help if you think you have athlete's foot. They will let you know if they feel you should also speak to your GP practice.
If you do need to see your GP, they will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms. Sometimes further tests are needed. For example, your GP may take a small scraping from the affected area so it can be checked in a laboratory. This helps show exactly what is causing your symptoms.
If needed, your GP may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist) for further tests and treatment.
Treatment
Treatment from a pharmacist
Speak to your local pharmacist about treatments for athlete’s foot. Your pharmacist can:
- offer advice on how to treat your symptoms
- suggest which medication to take
- advise you on whether you need to speak to your GP practice about your symptoms
Speak to your GP practice if:
You have athlete’s foot and:
- treatments from a pharmacy don’t work
- you’re in a lot of pain
- your foot or leg is hot, painful and red (the redness may be less noticeable on brown or black skin)
- the infection spreads to other parts of your body like your hands
- you have diabetes
- you have a weakened immune system – for example, you’ve had an organ transplant or are having chemotherapy
Treatment for athlete’s foot
Athlete’s foot can usually be treated with an antifungal medicine from a pharmacy.
There are different types of antifungal medicine, including:
- tablets
- creams
- sprays
- powders
These usually take a few weeks to work. You might need to try a few treatments to find one that works best for you.
Some antifungal medicines aren’t suitable for everyone, including children. Check the label or speak to your pharmacist for advice.
Speak to your GP practice if your symptoms don’t improve after using treatments from a pharmacy. You may need to take other antifungal tablets or a steroid cream (alongside an antifungal cream).
How athlete’s foot is passed on
You can get athlete’s foot from someone else who has the infection.
It’s easily spread by walking barefoot in an area where someone else has had athlete’s foot. For example, in a changing room at a swimming pool or gym.
You can also get it if you touch the affected skin of someone with athlete’s foot.
You’re more likely to get athlete’s foot if you have wet or sweaty feet, or if the skin on your feet is damaged.
Prevention
How to prevent athlete’s foot from spreading
There are some steps you can take to help prevent athlete’s foot from spreading.
Do
- change your socks every day
- dry your feet carefully after washing – particularly between the toes
- use a separate towel to dry your feet
- wash your towels and bedding regularly
Don’t
- do not walk barefoot in changing rooms at the gym or swimming pool
- do not scratch the affected area as it could spread the infection to other parts of your body
- do not share personal items like a towel, clothing or bed linen if someone has athlete’s foot
- do not wear the same pair of shoes for more than 2 to 3 days in a row
- do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.