Athlete’s foot: recognise, treat and avoid infection

Athlete’s foot is one of the most common skin conditions of all. It’s a nuisance but easy to treat. It is important to recognise it early – because if left untreated it can spread and also affect the nails.

Typical signs

• Itching and burning, often between the small toes
• Red, flaky or softened, whitish skin
• small cracks or blisters
• sometimes a dry, scaly sole (“moccasin type”)

How is it transmitted?

Athlete’s foot is transmitted via skin flakes – especially where many people walk barefoot: swimming pools, saunas, showers, changing rooms and hotel rooms, but also within the family via shared towels. Damp feet, tight shoes and small skin injuries make it easy for the fungus.

Treatment

Athlete’s foot is usually treated with antifungal creams, gels or sprays from the pharmacy. The key is to continue treatment for as long as recommended – even if the symptoms disappear earlier. Otherwise the fungus often comes back.

Please see a doctor if the fungus spreads, there is no improvement after about two weeks, the nails are affected or you have diabetes. Read more about affected nails in our nail fungus guide.

Hygiene tips to prevent reinfection

• Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, including between the toes – ideally with your own towel
• Wash socks and towels at 60 °C or more
• Air out shoes well and treat them with a shoe disinfectant if needed
• Wear flip-flops in swimming pools, saunas and hotels
• If family members have athlete’s foot: don’t share towels or shoes

How we help

We take a look at suspicious areas, check the spaces between your toes at every treatment and advise you on care and hygiene. We gently file down thickened, affected nails. All instruments are cleaned, disinfected and sterilised after every treatment.