Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the skin of the foot, most often affecting the spaces between the toes. It's caused by dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments — making feet, particularly inside enclosed footwear, an ideal environment for the infection to establish and spread.
Despite the name, it isn't limited to athletes — anyone can develop it, particularly with prolonged time in damp footwear, communal showers or swimming pools, or with existing skin conditions. It's highly treatable with appropriate antifungal treatment, though it has a tendency to recur if the environment that allowed it to develop isn't also addressed.
Warm, Damp Footwear
Trainers, boots and other enclosed footwear worn for long periods create the warm, moist environment fungi need to thrive.
Communal Facilities
Swimming pools, changing rooms, showers and gyms are common sources of exposure, particularly when walking barefoot.
Excessive Sweating
Feet that sweat heavily provide an ongoing moist environment, increasing susceptibility to fungal infection.
Reduced Immunity or Circulation
People with diabetes or a compromised immune system may be more prone to fungal skin infections and should seek prompt treatment.
Existing Skin or Nail Conditions
Cracked or compromised skin gives fungi an easier point of entry, and untreated fungal nail infection can be a reservoir for reinfection.
Itching, burning or stinging, particularly between the toes
Red, flaky, cracked or peeling skin, often between the fourth and fifth toes
Dry, scaling skin extending across the sole in a "moccasin" pattern
Small blisters, in some presentations
Skin that appears soft and white when persistently damp (maceration)
Diagnosis is usually made on the clinical appearance of the skin. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, or where treatment hasn't resolved the presentation as expected, a skin scraping can be sent for laboratory analysis to confirm a fungal cause and rule out other skin conditions that can look similar.
Most cases respond well to topical antifungal treatment, alongside simple changes to reduce moisture and prevent reinfection. Persistent or recurrent cases may need a more prolonged or, occasionally, oral course of treatment.
Dry your feet thoroughly, particularly between the toes, after washing or swimming. Rotate footwear so each pair has time to fully dry out between wears, choose breathable socks, and avoid walking barefoot in communal changing rooms or pool areas.
If symptoms haven't improved after a full course of over-the-counter antifungal treatment, keep recurring, or you have diabetes or a compromised immune system, an assessment is worthwhile — both to confirm the diagnosis and to check for any coexisting nail infection that could be driving reinfection.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes — it can spread through direct contact or via contaminated surfaces such as pool floors, communal showers and shared towels. Wearing sandals in communal areas and avoiding sharing footwear or towels reduces the risk of spreading or catching it.
How long does treatment take?
Most cases improve within one to two weeks of consistent antifungal treatment, though a full course is often recommended for several weeks to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Why does it keep coming back?
Recurrence is usually related to the environment — footwear that stays damp, an untreated fungal nail infection acting as a reservoir, or ongoing exposure in communal areas. Addressing these alongside treating the active infection significantly reduces the chance of it returning.
Is this covered by insurance?
Yes — podiatry consultations are typically covered by most major insurers. We work with Bupa, Aviva, WPA and others. See our
insurance page for full details.
Ready to book your assessment?
We'll confirm the diagnosis, check for any related nail infection, and get you on the right treatment.
