Athlete's Foot: Causes and How to Treat It

What Is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot, medically known as Tinea pedis, is caused by the same dermatophyte fungi group as ringworm. It usually starts between the toes, especially during rainy season or in people whose feet stay damp often.

Despite the folk belief that it comes from dirty water, the real cause is fungus thriving in moist, damp conditions — whether from water or sweat.

📖 Read more: Full ringworm vs tinea versicolor overview — Ringworm vs Tinea Versicolor: How to Treat

What Are the Symptoms of Athlete's Foot?

• Itching between the toes, especially the 4th-5th toe web space
• Flaky, cracked, red skin in the toe webs and soles
• Some cases have itchy, clear blisters on the sole
• Stronger foot odor and white, macerated skin in very damp cases

What Types of Athlete's Foot Are There?

• Interdigital type — most common; flaking, cracked, itchy skin between the toes
• Moccasin type — dry, thickened, flaking skin across the whole sole, sometimes spreading to the heel and sides, resembling a moccasin shoe
• Vesicular type — itchy, clear blisters usually on the arch, which may rupture into open sores

Causes and Risk Factors for Athlete's Foot

• Wearing closed, non-ventilated shoes for long periods
• Feet staying damp often from sweat or wading through water
• Walking barefoot in damp public areas like shower rooms, pools, or gyms
• Sharing socks or shoes with others
• Weakened immunity or poorly controlled diabetes

How to Treat Athlete's Foot — Which Topical Creams Work

Topical antifungal cream is the primary treatment for athlete's foot that hasn't spread widely:

• Tolnaftate — e.g. Tonaf Cream — a non-steroid cream suited to interdigital athlete's foot
• Econazole — e.g. Zema Cream — broad-spectrum, covering both dermatophytes and yeast

How to apply it correctly

• Dry feet thoroughly before every application
• Apply a thin layer covering the toe webs and sole, once or twice daily
• Continue for 2-4 weeks, even after symptoms appear to improve

Topical Treatment Comparison Table

When Do You Need Oral Medication?

In some cases, cream alone is not enough — an oral antifungal such as Itraconazole is needed, e.g. Itraconazole (Spornar 100)

Signs oral treatment is needed

• Widespread infection or multiple sites
• Spreading to the toenails — a sign the infection is worsening
• No improvement within 2-4 weeks of cream
• Frequent recurrence or weakened immunity

Oral antifungals should be used under a doctor's or pharmacist's guidance, especially for people with liver conditions or other regular medications.

Foot Care During Treatment

• Dry feet thoroughly after bathing, especially between the toes
• Change socks daily, choosing sweat-absorbing cotton
• Rotate at least 2 pairs of shoes, letting each dry fully before reuse
• Antifungal foot powder in shoes can help reduce moisture
• Avoid scratching itchy areas to reduce risk of secondary bacterial infection

💡 Read more: Other common fungal infections — Jock Itch: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment · Nail Fungus: How to Treat It

Preventing Athlete's Foot From Recurring

• Always dry feet thoroughly, especially after bathing or wading through water
• Wear sandals in damp public areas like shower rooms or pools
• Don't share socks or shoes with others
• Periodically disinfect shoes, especially those worn during the infection
• If jock itch or nail fungus is also present, treat them together to prevent cross-infection