Athlete's foot: Causes, symptoms, treatment & quick prevention

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that starts between the toes and can spread to the soles or nails. You get it from damp, warm places — think locker rooms, public showers, or shoes that trap sweat. Itchy, scaly skin, stinging between toes, cracked heels, or blisters are the usual signs. If the rash smells bad or won't stop spreading, that's a red flag.

First steps you can take at home are simple. Keep feet dry: dry thoroughly after washing, especially between toes. Wear breathable socks (cotton or moisture-wicking blends) and change them daily, or more often if you sweat. Rotate shoes so each pair has time to air out. Use slippers in public pools and showers to avoid contact with contaminated floors.

Over-the-counter treatment that works

Most cases respond to topical antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. Look for active ingredients like terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole, or tolnaftate. Apply as directed for the full course — usually one to four weeks — even if the rash improves early. Powders help keep shoes dry and reduce recurrence. If you prefer sprays, they reach between toes and inside shoes easier.

When you need a doctor

See a healthcare provider if the rash is severe, spreading to nails, or not improving after a month of proper OTC treatment. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems should get medical advice early because foot infections can lead to complications. A doctor may prescribe a stronger topical, a longer course, or an oral antifungal like terbinafine or fluconazole when nails or deep skin layers are involved.

Preventing athlete's foot takes small habits that add up. Dry feet after every wash, use antifungal powder in shoes if you sweat a lot, and avoid tight, non-breathable footwear. Trim nails straight across and treat any athlete's foot quickly so it doesn't infect the nail. Wash socks and towels in hot water when someone in your home has an active infection to stop reinfection.

Avoid risky home remedies that aren’t proven — things like vinegar soaks might help mild cases, but they rarely replace antifungals. The reliable approach is dryness, hygiene, and an antifungal product suited to the infection depth. With consistent care most people clear athlete's foot in a few weeks; nails and severe cases take longer, and need medical treatment.

If you want a quick checklist: dry between toes, wear breathable socks, rotate shoes, use an OTC antifungal, and see a doctor if it worsens or involves nails. Those five steps handle most cases and keep the fungus from coming back.

Quick extra tips: alternate two pairs of socks each day so each pair dries fully, spray or powder the inside of shoes weekly, wash feet once daily and pat dry, never share towels or nail clippers, inspect feet and between toes once a week, clean shower floors if someone’s infected, and avoid occlusive socks during workouts. Toenail fungus often needs months of oral or prescription treatment, so be patient and follow your provider’s plan closely.