Athlete's Foot

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that affects your feet. It's very common and gets its name because athletes often get it from walking barefoot in changing rooms and showers. But anyone can catch it - you don't need to be sporty!

The fungus loves warm, damp places, which is why it grows well on feet, especially between your toes.

What does it look like?

The main signs of athlete's foot include:

• Itchy white patches between your toes - this is the most common symptom
• Sore, flaky patches on your feet
• Red skin (though this might be harder to see on brown or black skin)
• Cracked skin that might bleed
• Sometimes blisters filled with fluid

The infection can spread to other parts of your feet, including the soles and sides. If you don't treat it, it can also spread to your toenails.

How do you catch it?

Athlete's foot spreads easily from person to person. You can catch it by:

• Walking barefoot where someone with the infection has been - especially in changing rooms, showers, and swimming pools
• Touching the infected skin of someone who has it
• Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with someone who's infected

You're more likely to get it if your feet are often wet or sweaty, or if you have cuts or damaged skin on your feet.

Treatment from the pharmacy

Athlete's foot rarely gets better on its own, so you'll need treatment. The good news is you can buy effective treatments from any pharmacy without a prescription.

Treatments come as:

• Creams
• Sprays
• Powders

Not all treatments suit everyone - some are only for adults. Always read the packet or ask the pharmacist for advice. You might need to try different treatments to find what works best for you.

Most treatments take a few weeks to work properly.

What you can do to help

While using treatment:

Do:

• Dry your feet properly after washing, especially between your toes - dab don't rub
• Use a separate towel just for your feet and wash it regularly
• Wear clean cotton socks every day
• Wear flip-flops in changing rooms and showers

Don't:

• Scratch the infected skin - this spreads it to other body parts
• Walk barefoot in public areas
• Share towels, socks, or shoes
• Wear the same shoes for more than 2-3 days running
• Wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty

Keep following this advice even after treatment finishes to stop the infection coming back.

When to speak to your GP

You should speak to your GP if:

• Pharmacy treatments haven't worked
• You're in lots of pain
• Your foot or leg becomes hot, painful, and red - this could be a more serious infection
• The infection spreads to your hands or other body parts
• You have diabetes - foot problems can be more serious
• You have a weak immune system

Your GP might send a skin sample to a lab for testing, prescribe stronger treatments, or refer you to a skin specialist if needed.

Remember, you don't need to stay off work or school with athlete's foot - just follow the hygiene advice to avoid spreading it.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.