Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis)
Athlete’s foot is one of the most common skin infections we see at Emerald Hill Podiatry, and despite the name, it has nothing to do with being athletic. It affects anyone whose feet spend long stretches in warm, enclosed shoes, from office workers to students to actual athletes. Our podiatrists identify the type and extent of the infection and treat it properly the first time, since athlete’s foot has a habit of returning if it isn’t fully cleared.
What Is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete’s foot, medically known as tinea pedis, is a fungal skin infection that most commonly affects the skin between the toes, though it can spread to the soles and sides of the feet. It’s caused by the same family of fungi (dermatophytes) responsible for fungal nail infections and ringworm, and it thrives on skin exposed to warmth and moisture. Left untreated, it can spread to the toenails, other parts of the foot, or even other areas of the body through scratching and contact.
Why Fungi Thrive in Shoes
Closed footwear creates close to ideal conditions for fungal growth: warm, dark, and often damp from sweat by the end of the day. A few factors make this worse:
- Wearing the same pair of shoes daily without letting them fully dry out
- Synthetic socks or shoe materials that trap moisture against the skin
- Sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis), which keeps the skin persistently damp
- Walking barefoot in communal areas such as gym showers, locker rooms, and swimming pool decks
- Sharing socks, shoes, or towels with someone who has an active infection
The Common Signs
- Itching, particularly between the toes
- Redness and peeling or flaking skin
- A burning or stinging sensation
- Cracked, moist skin between the toes, sometimes referred to as "toe web" infection
- Small blisters, in more inflamed cases
- Dry, scaling skin extending across the sole in a moccasin-like pattern
Athlete's Foot vs Dry Skin or Eczema
Athlete’s foot is frequently mistaken for simple dry skin or eczema, since both can cause flaking, redness, and itching. A few clues help tell them apart: athlete’s foot typically starts between the toes before spreading, often has a distinct odour, and tends to worsen in warm, enclosed footwear rather than improving with regular moisturiser.
Eczema, by contrast, is more likely to appear elsewhere on the body as well and often responds to moisturising rather than getting worse with it. Because the treatments for each are completely different, an accurate diagnosis matters before starting any treatment.
When to See a Podiatrist
See a podiatrist if:
Itching, redness, or peeling hasn't improved with over-the-counter antifungal treatment after a couple of weeks
The skin is cracked, weeping, or shows signs of a secondary bacterial infection
The infection keeps returning despite treatment
You have diabetes or a compromised immune system, where a fungal infection carries a higher risk of complications
You're unsure whether it's athlete's foot or another skin condition
Get Your Athlete’s Foot Properly Assessed
Keep Your Feet Healthy
Treatment is chosen based on how extensive and how persistent the infection is.
Options include:
- Antifungal Therapy — topical or, in more resistant cases, oral antifungal treatment to clear the infection
- Topical and Oral Medication Guidance — correct application, dosage, and duration, since stopping treatment too early is a common reason athlete's foot returns
- Podiatric Skin Assessment — confirms the diagnosis and checks for spread to the nails or other areas before it becomes harder to treat
- Foot Hygiene Education — practical guidance on footwear rotation, sock choice, and drying habits to prevent recurrence
What to Expect at Your Assessment
Your podiatrist examines the affected skin and, where needed, takes a sample to confirm a fungal cause before recommending treatment. Because athlete’s foot can spread to the nails if left untreated, catching it early makes for a simpler, shorter course of treatment.
