- Athlete's foot is a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet
- You don't have to be an athlete to get it—warm, moist environments are all it takes
- Most cases respond to over-the-counter treatments, but stubborn infections need professional care
- Prevention is about keeping feet clean, dry, and protected in public spaces
What Is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that typically starts between the toes. Despite the name, you don't need to be an athlete to get it. The fungus thrives in warm, damp environments—locker rooms, pool decks, and sweaty shoes are perfect breeding grounds.
This common condition affects up to 25% of people at any given time. In Florida's humid climate, we see athlete's foot year-round at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute.
What Causes Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot is caused by dermatophytes—fungi that feed on keratin, the protein found in skin, hair, and nails. The same fungi that cause athlete's foot can also cause and jock itch.
How You Get Infected
Direct contact: Walking barefoot where an infected person has walked. Public showers, pool areas, and locker room floors are high-risk zones. Contaminated items: Sharing towels, shoes, or socks with someone who has the infection. Your own shoes: Fungi can live in shoes for months. If your shoes stay damp and warm, they become the perfect home for the infection.Risk Factors
You're more likely to develop athlete's foot if you:
- Sweat heavily, especially on your feet
- Wear closed-toe shoes for long periods
- Walk barefoot in public areas
- Share personal items like shoes or towels
- Have a weakened immune system
- Have diabetes or circulation problems
- Live in a humid climate (hello, Central Florida!)
Symptoms: What Does Athlete's Foot Look Like?
Athlete's foot can present in several ways:
Between the Toes (Most Common)
- Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes
- Cracked, peeling, or flaky skin
- Red, raw-looking skin
- White, soggy-looking skin that may have an odor
On the Sole (Moccasin Type)
- Dry, scaly skin on the sole that extends up the side of the foot
- Thickened skin
- Mild itching or soreness
- Cracking, especially on the heel
Blistering Type
- Fluid-filled blisters, usually on the sole or between toes
- Intense itching
- Raw skin when blisters break
- Can be very painful
Signs of Spreading
Athlete's foot can spread to your toenails, causing fungal nail infection. It can also spread to your hands if you scratch your feet and then touch other areas. Watch for similar symptoms on your palms or between your fingers.
Home Treatment: What Works?
Most mild to moderate cases of athlete's foot respond to over-the-counter treatments:
Antifungal Creams, Sprays, or Powders
Look for products containing:
- Clotrimazole (Lotrimin)
- Miconazole (Micatin)
- Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)
- Tolnaftate (Tinactin)
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
- Wash feet daily with soap and water
- Dry thoroughly, especially between toes
- Change socks when they become damp
- Use antifungal powder in shoes
Give Your Shoes a Break
- Don't wear the same shoes two days in a row
- Let shoes dry completely between wearings
- Consider using antifungal shoe spray
- Replace old, worn-out shoes
When to See a Podiatrist
Home treatment doesn't always work. See a foot doctor if:
- Symptoms don't improve after 2 weeks of over-the-counter treatment
- Infection spreads to your nails or other parts of your body
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system—fungal infections can lead to serious bacterial infections
- You see signs of bacterial infection: increased pain, swelling, pus, red streaks, or fever
- Blistering is severe or widespread
- The infection keeps coming back despite treatment
Professional Treatment Options
At Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute, we provide comprehensive treatment for stubborn or severe athlete's foot:
Prescription-Strength Topical Medications
Stronger antifungal creams and solutions that aren't available over the counter often clear infections that haven't responded to drugstore products.
Oral Antifungal Medications
For severe or resistant cases, oral medications like terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed. These work systemically to eliminate the fungus but require monitoring for side effects.
Treatment of Secondary Infections
If bacteria have invaded cracked skin, you may need antibiotics in addition to antifungal treatment.
Addressing Underlying Conditions
If you have diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune issues, we'll coordinate your athlete's foot treatment with your overall foot health plan.
Prevention: Keeping Athlete's Foot Away
Once you've had athlete's foot, you know you don't want it again. Here's how to stay fungus-free:
Protect Your Feet in Public
- Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in locker rooms, public showers, and pool areas
- Never walk barefoot in hotel rooms or gyms
- Don't share shoes, socks, or towels with others
Keep Feet Dry
- Choose moisture-wicking socks (synthetic blends or merino wool)
- Change socks when they get damp—this might mean mid-day changes in hot weather
- Use antifungal powder daily if you sweat heavily
- Take off shoes when possible to let feet air out
Care for Your Shoes
- Alternate between at least two pairs of everyday shoes
- Choose breathable shoes when possible—leather, canvas, or mesh rather than synthetic materials
- Remove insoles to dry after wearing
- Use UV shoe sanitizers or antifungal sprays
- Replace worn-out athletic shoes regularly
Practice Good Foot Hygiene
- Wash feet daily, including between toes
- Dry feet completely before putting on socks
- Trim toenails straight across to prevent injuries that can let fungus in
- Check your feet regularly for early signs of infection
Athlete's Foot in Florida: Special Considerations
Living in Central Florida means higher risk for fungal infections. Our warm, humid climate creates perfect conditions for fungi to thrive. Here are Florida-specific tips:
- Theme park visitors and workers: Sweaty feet in hot shoes all day? Bring extra socks and antifungal powder.
- Swimmers and water sports enthusiasts: Dry feet thoroughly and use antifungal spray after water activities.
- Outdoor workers: Choose breathable work boots and moisture-wicking socks.
- Year-round vigilance: Unlike colder climates, we don't get a "break" from fungus-friendly conditions.
Don't Let Athlete's Foot Slow You Down
Athlete's foot is annoying, uncomfortable, and can lead to more serious problems if ignored. The good news? It's highly treatable.
If over-the-counter remedies aren't working, or if you're dealing with recurring infections, our team at Central Florida Foot & Ankle Institute can help. We'll identify the cause, eliminate the infection, and create a prevention plan tailored to your lifestyle.
📞 Schedule an appointment today and get back to comfortable feet.