How do you get rid of athlete's foot fast?

Apply an over-the-counter antifungal cream (such as terbinafine or clotrimazole) consistently for the full course — usually 1–4 weeks even after symptoms improve — and keep your feet clean and completely dry. Antifungal powder in shoes and clean socks daily speed recovery and prevent reinfection.

Is athlete's foot contagious?

Yes. It spreads through direct contact and via contaminated surfaces like locker-room floors, towels, socks, and shoes. Wearing sandals in communal areas and not sharing footwear help prevent spreading or catching it.

What happens if athlete's foot goes untreated?

It can spread to the toenails (causing harder-to-treat nail fungus), the hands, or the groin (jock itch), and cracked skin can allow bacterial infections like cellulitis — a particular concern for people with diabetes or poor circulation.

DermatologicalICD-10: B35.3One of the most common fungal infections; affects up to 15% of people

Athlete's Foot

Also known as: Tinea pedis, Foot fungus, Fungal foot infection

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet, usually starting between the toes. It causes itching, scaling, redness, and sometimes cracking or blistering, and it thrives in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes and communal showers. It is contagious and can spread to the toenails, hands, and groin, but it usually responds well to antifungal treatment and good foot hygiene.

Symptoms

Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes or on the soles

Scaly, peeling, or cracking skin

Redness and inflammation

Dry, flaking skin on the soles and sides of the feet (moccasin type)

Blisters in some cases

Unpleasant foot odor

Causes

Dermatophyte fungi (commonly Trichophyton species)
Warm, damp conditions inside shoes and socks
Walking barefoot in locker rooms, pools, and communal showers
Sharing towels, shoes, or socks with an infected person

Risk Factors

Sweaty feet and wearing tight, non-breathable footwear
Frequent use of communal showers or pools
Diabetes or a weakened immune system
Existing nail fungus
Male sex

Diagnosis

Visual examination of the feet
Skin scraping examined under a microscope (KOH test)
Fungal culture in persistent or atypical cases

Treatment

Over-the-counter topical antifungals (terbinafine, clotrimazole, miconazole)
Prescription topical or oral antifungals for stubborn infections
Keeping feet clean and thoroughly dry, especially between the toes
Antifungal powders to reduce moisture
Treating shoes and not sharing footwear to prevent reinfection

Prevention

Dry your feet completely, especially between the toes
Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks
Wear sandals in communal showers and pool areas
Alternate shoes to let them dry out
Don't share towels, socks, or footwear

When to See a Doctor

The infection doesn't improve with over-the-counter antifungals
Signs of bacterial infection (increasing redness, swelling, pus, warmth)
You have diabetes or poor circulation and develop foot symptoms
The infection spreads to the toenails or other body areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Conditions

Ringworm

Infectious

Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)

Infectious

Jock Itch

Dermatological

Cellulitis

Infectious

Eczema

Dermatological

Related from the Supplement Library

Oregano Oil

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Garlic

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These supplements have been studied in relation to Athlete's Foot. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications.

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