Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It is very common, spreads easily in shared damp places and responds well to treatment.
Prescription request online
A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.
Talk to a doctor online
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
On this page
Medicines commonly prescribed for Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
For informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before using any medicine.
Dosage form: CREAM, 20 mg/gActive substance: ketoconazoleManufacturer: Qualix Pharma S.L.Prescription requiredDosage form: CREAM, 20 mg/gActive substance: ketoconazoleManufacturer: Kern Pharma S.L.Prescription requiredDosage form: CREAM, 20 mg/gActive substance: ketoconazoleManufacturer: Isdin S.A.Prescription required
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. It is very common, spreads easily in shared damp places and responds well to treatment. Its real importance is not the discomfort: cracks between the toes are a frequent entry point for bacteria, and a serious leg infection can follow. That is why it is worth treating even when it only itches a little.
How it presents
- between the toes — the commonest form: whitish, macerated, cracked skin, particularly between the fourth and fifth toes;
- on the sole — dryness and fine scaling spreading around the edges of the foot in a moccasin pattern, often mistaken for dry skin;
- blistering form — small grouped blisters in the arch of the foot, intensely itchy;
- itching, burning and sometimes an unpleasant smell;
- redness and scaling;
- it often comes with nail infection: thickened, yellowish, crumbling nails;
- it can affect one foot only, which is not unusual.
How it spreads
- shared damp floors: pools, changing rooms, gyms, saunas, hotel showers;
- closed, non-breathable footwear, synthetic socks, heavy sweating;
- sharing towels, footwear or nail clippers;
- damp trainers worn daily without drying out;
- diabetes, circulatory problems and reduced immunity increase the risk;
- from the feet it can spread to the groin and hands via your own hands.
When to see a doctor
- it has not improved after two weeks of over-the-counter treatment;
- marked redness, swelling, warmth and pain have developed in the foot or leg, with or without fever — this may be a bacterial infection and should not wait;
- there are deep cracks or discharge;
- the nails are affected — this needs separate, longer treatment;
- you have diabetes, circulatory problems or reduced immunity — in that case attend from the outset;
- the infection keeps coming back;
- you are not sure it is fungal: eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis look very similar.
How it is diagnosed
Usually by appearance. If the picture is unclear or treatment is not working, skin scrapings are taken for microscopy and culture. This matters more than it seems: applying a steroid to something you thought was eczema when it is actually fungal makes the infection worse and blurs the picture.
Treatment
- topical antifungals as a cream, gel or spray: terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole and similar;
- continue for 1–2 weeks after the skin looks normal — this is where most people go wrong, and why the infection returns;
- oral antifungals for widespread or resistant disease, or where nails are involved;
- treat the nails if they are infected: without this the feet are constantly reinfected;
- dry thoroughly before applying the product;
- antifungal powder in footwear as an adjunct;
- antibiotics only if a bacterial infection has been added.
How to stop it returning
- dry your feet thoroughly after showering, especially between the toes;
- cotton or technical breathable socks, changed daily and more often if you sweat;
- alternate footwear so each pair dries for at least 24 hours;
- flip-flops in shared showers and changing rooms;
- do not share towels, footwear or nail clippers;
- wash socks at a high temperature;
- air and disinfect trainers;
- if you have diabetes, check your feet daily;
- treat any groin infection at the same time, and put your socks on before your underwear so you do not carry the fungus from one place to the other.
Common questions
Does it spread within the household? Yes, via the bathroom floor and towels. Use separate towels while it lasts.
Do home remedies work? Vinegar or salt soaks may dry the skin, but they do not eliminate the fungus. An antifungal is needed.
Why does it keep coming back? Almost always for three reasons: treatment stopped too soon, untreated nail infection, and footwear that never dries.
Can I go to the pool? Better to wait until the skin has healed; if you go, wear flip-flops and dry thoroughly.
Is it the same as dry skin? No, although the moccasin form looks very similar. If moisturiser makes no difference, think fungus.
Online consultation
In an online consultation the doctor reviews photographs, helps distinguish fungal infection from eczema and psoriasis — a confusion that makes treatment fail — checks whether the nails are involved, chooses the right antifungal and duration, and recognises the signs of added bacterial infection.
This material is for information only and does not replace a medical consultation.
Consult with a doctor about Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.
Medically reviewed by
Reviewed on Jul 18, 2026
Online doctors for Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) with a doctor online.
