Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): More Than Just Dry Skin

It often starts with something small. A little itching between the toes. Slightly peeling skin. Maybe a burning sensation after removing your shoes at the end of the day. Many people ignore it, thinking it is just dry skin or irritation. In reality, it may be athlete’s foot, a common fungal infection that can spread quickly if not treated properly.

Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. The fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, which makes shoes and sweaty socks the perfect place for it to grow.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is a skin infection caused by fungi that live on the surface of the skin. It typically causes an itchy, burning, or stinging rash on one or both feet. Although it is called “athlete’s foot,” you do not need to be an athlete to get it. Anyone can develop it.

The infection most commonly appears between the toes, but it can also affect the soles, heels, edges, and tops of the feet.

What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?

The appearance can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Red, irritated, or discolored skin

• Peeling or flaky patches

• Cracked skin between the toes

• Dry, scaly skin on the soles

• Blisters or fluid-filled bumps

• Unpleasant foot odor

In some cases, the skin becomes thick and rough, especially when the infection has been present for a long time.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Athlete’s foot can affect anyone, but certain factors increase the risk, including:

• Wearing tight, closed shoes for long periods

• Sweaty feet or poor ventilation

• Walking barefoot in shared spaces such as locker rooms or swimming pools

• Diabetes or weakened immune system

• Skin injuries or cuts on the feet

• Obesity

Men and older adults tend to develop it more often, but it can occur at any age.

Types of Athlete’s Foot

Not all athlete’s foot looks the same. Common forms include

Toe Web Infection

The most common type. It usually starts between the fourth and fifth toes, causing peeling, cracking, and itching.

Moccasin-Type Infection

Affects the soles, heels, and edges of the feet. The skin becomes dry, thick, and scaly, often resembling a moccasin shape.

Vesicular-Type Infection

Characterized by small, fluid-filled blisters that may appear on the soles or other parts of the feet.

Ulcerative Infection

A rare but severe form that causes open sores, usually between the toes.

How Does Athlete’s Foot Spread?

The fungus spreads easily through:

• Skin contact with an infected person

• Shared towels, socks, or shoes

• Contaminated floors in gyms, pools, or communal showers

• Damp environments where fungi thrive

Because the fungus loves warmth and moisture, sweaty feet trapped in closed shoes create ideal conditions for growth.

Is Athlete’s Foot Contagious?

Yes. Athlete’s foot is contagious. It can spread from person to person and even to other parts of your own body, especially if you scratch the infected area.

How Is Athlete’s Foot Treated?

Most cases respond well to antifungal creams, sprays, powders, or gels available over the counter. In more persistent cases, a healthcare provider may prescribe stronger topical or oral antifungal medications.

Important treatment tips:

• Use medication exactly as instructed

• Continue treatment even after symptoms improve

• Keep feet clean and completely dry

• Avoid scratching to prevent spreading the fungus

Most people begin to feel better within one to two weeks, but full treatment should always be completed.

What Happens If It Is Left Untreated?

Athlete’s foot rarely disappears on its own. Without treatment, it may:

• Spread across the soles and heels

• Cause painful cracks or blisters

• Infect the toenails, making treatment harder

• Spread to the hands or groin area

Untreated infections can become stubborn and more difficult to manage.

How Can You Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Prevention is simple but important:

• Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes

• Wear breathable shoes and moisture-absorbing socks

• Change socks regularly if your feet sweat

• Allow shoes to dry between uses

• Wear slippers or sandals in public showers and pools

• Avoid sharing personal items like towels or shoes

When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?

Seek medical advice if:

• The rash does not improve with treatment

• The skin becomes swollen, painful, or infected

• The infection spreads to nails, hands, or other areas

• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system

Final Thoughts

Athlete’s foot may seem minor, but it is a highly contagious fungal infection that can worsen if ignored. The good news is that it is usually easy to treat when recognized early. Keeping your feet clean, dry, and well-ventilated is often enough to prevent it from returning.

Sometimes, small symptoms are your body’s early warning signs. Paying attention early can save you from bigger problems later.