Athlete’s Foot: Common, Contagious, and Completely Treatable

It starts as a little itch — maybe between your toes or along the bottom of your foot. Then the burning, redness, and cracking skin follow. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Athlete’s foot (known medically as tinea pedis) is one of the most common foot infections, affecting millions of people each year. The good news? It’s also one of the easiest to treat — especially when you catch it early and get care from a podiatrist.

At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we help patients beat athlete’s foot fast and prevent it from coming back. Here’s what you need to know about this common condition, why it spreads so easily, and how to get lasting relief.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments — think locker rooms, showers, sweaty shoes, and pool decks.

Although it’s most common in athletes (hence the name), anyone can get athlete’s foot, especially if they wear tight shoes, share footwear, or walk barefoot in public places.

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophyte fungi, the same group of organisms that cause jock itch and ringworm. These fungi feed on keratin — the protein found in your skin, hair, and nails.

Once the fungus takes hold, it can spread quickly if left untreated. Common triggers include:

• Walking barefoot in public showers or locker rooms

• Wearing damp socks or shoes

• Not drying your feet properly after bathing

• Sharing towels, socks, or shoes

• Weakened immune system or poor circulation

Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious?

Yes — very contagious. Athlete’s foot spreads through direct contact (skin-to-skin) or indirect contact (touching contaminated surfaces).

You can catch it by:

• Walking barefoot on infected floors

• Sharing shoes or socks

• Using shared showers, mats, or towels

• Scratching your foot and touching another part of your body — leading to infections like tinea cruris (jock itch) or tinea manuum (hand fungus)

That’s why prevention — and early treatment — are key to keeping it under control.

Common Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot can appear differently depending on the type and severity, but most patients experience:

• Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes

• Red, peeling, or scaly skin

• Cracks or fissures that may bleed or hurt

• Foul odor due to fungal growth and trapped sweat

• Blisters in more advanced infections

• Thick, discolored toenails if the fungus spreads

Symptoms may worsen after sweating, exercise, or wearing tight footwear for long hours.

Types of Athlete’s Foot

Not all athlete’s foot looks the same. Podiatrists classify it into a few types:

1. Toe-Web (Interdigital) Type

   • The most common form.

   • Usually appears between the fourth and fifth toes.

   • Skin becomes red, soft, and peeling.

2. Moccasin Type

   • Causes dry, thick, scaly skin along the sole and heel.

   • Can resemble eczema or dry skin.

   • Often chronic and harder to treat.

3. Vesicular Type

   • Characterized by small blisters or pustules on the sole or top of the foot.

   • Can cause significant itching or burning.

How Podiatrists Diagnose Athlete’s Foot

Diagnosis is usually straightforward. Your podiatrist will:

• Examine your skin and nails for typical fungal patterns.

• Take a small skin scraping for microscopic testing or culture to confirm the fungus type.

• Rule out other conditions like eczema, psoriasis, or bacterial infection that can mimic athlete’s foot.

Treatment Options for Athlete’s Foot

The good news? Athlete’s foot is highly treatable — especially when caught early.

1. Topical Antifungal Medications

Over-the-counter creams can help mild infections, but persistent or recurrent cases need prescription-strength antifungals from your podiatrist.

2. Oral Antifungal Medications

For stubborn infections or when toenails are involved, oral antifungal pills may be prescribed to clear the infection from within.

3. Foot Hygiene and Care

Your podiatrist will also recommend a proper foot care routine, including:

• Washing and drying your feet thoroughly every day

• Changing socks frequently (especially after sweating)

• Using antifungal foot powder or spray

• Wearing breathable shoes with moisture-wicking socks

4. Treating Nail Involvement

If the fungus has spread to your toenails, your podiatrist may suggest laser therapy, oral antifungals, or debridement to remove diseased nail tissue.

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot

Prevention is key — once you’ve had athlete’s foot, it’s easier to get it again. Follow these steps to stay fungus-free:

• Always wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public showers or pool areas.

• Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.

• Change socks daily (or more often if your feet sweat).

• Rotate shoes to let them air out.

• Avoid sharing shoes, towels, or nail clippers.

• Use antifungal powder if you’re prone to sweating.

When to See a Podiatrist

While mild athlete’s foot may improve with home care, see a podiatrist if:

• The infection doesn’t improve after 1–2 weeks of OTC treatment.

• You have diabetes, poor circulation, or neuropathy.

• The skin becomes painful, swollen, or oozes fluid.

• You notice fungal toenails developing.

Prompt treatment can prevent complications — including secondary bacterial infections and spreading to other parts of your body.

The Bottom Line

Athlete’s foot is common, contagious, and completely treatable with the right care. You don’t have to live with the itching, burning, and embarrassment. Whether it’s your first infection or a recurring problem, a podiatrist can help you eliminate the fungus and keep it from returning.

✅ At Restore Foot & Ankle Specialists, we offer expert diagnosis and customized treatment for athlete’s foot and other fungal infections. From advanced topical therapies to laser treatments, we’ll help you step confidently — fungus-free. Contact our office today with Dr. Gireesh Reddy or Dr. Sirisha Pokala by calling (469) 573-3427 or by booking an appointment online.