How to Treat Athlete’s Foot at Home | Podiatrist Advice
- cmspodiatry
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 31
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot at Home
Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, particularly between the toes.
It can cause itching, redness, peeling skin and discomfort, and if left untreated, it may spread or worsen over time.
The good news is that athlete’s foot can usually be treated effectively at home, especially when caught early.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
What athlete’s foot is
Common symptoms
How to treat athlete’s foot at home
The best treatments to use
How to prevent it from coming back
When to see a podiatrist
What Is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot (also known as tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin.
It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments, such as inside shoes or between the toes.
What Does Athlete’s Foot Look Like?
Symptoms can vary, but common signs include:
itching or burning sensation
red or inflamed skin
peeling, flaky or cracked skin
white, soggy skin between the toes
dry or scaly skin on the soles
In some cases, the infection may spread to the toenails, causing fungal nail infections.
How to Treat Athlete’s Foot at Home
In most cases, athlete’s foot can be treated with simple home care and over-the-counter antifungal treatments.
1. Keep Your Feet Clean and Dry
Fungal infections thrive in moisture, so keeping your feet dry is essential.
Wash your feet daily with soap and water
Dry thoroughly, especially between the toes
Use a separate towel for your feet if possible
2. Use an Antifungal Treatment
Over-the-counter antifungal treatments are usually effective.
Common options available in the UK include:
antifungal creams
sprays
powders
These typically contain ingredients such as terbinafine or clotrimazole, which help kill the fungus.
Apply the treatment as directed, usually once or twice daily for two weeks, and continue for the recommended duration - even if symptoms improve.
We love Lamisil (spray or cream) and always recomend this to our patients. Daktarin is another good option!
3. Change Socks Daily
Wearing clean socks helps reduce moisture and prevents the fungus from spreading.
Choose socks that are:
breathable
moisture-wicking (bamboo or cotton are the best!)
not too tight
If your feet sweat heavily, changing socks more than once a day may help.
4. Wear Breathable Footwear
Shoes that trap moisture can worsen athlete’s foot.
To reduce this:
wear breathable shoes
avoid tight footwear
rotate your shoes to allow them to dry out fully
Tip: We also love Daktarin powder spray to use in your shoes!
5. Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas
Athlete’s foot can spread easily in communal areas.
Wear flip-flops or sandals in:
gyms
swimming pools
shared showers
How Long Does Athlete’s Foot Take to Improve?
With appropriate treatment, athlete’s foot often improves within 1 to 2 weeks.
It's important to keep an eye it after that and start using the treatment again if you see any reoccurrence.
How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot
Preventing athlete’s foot is often easier than treating it.
Simple habits can significantly reduce your risk:
keep your feet clean and dry
change socks regularly
wear breathable footwear
avoid sharing towels or shoes
dry between your toes carefully
wear natural fibre socks, like bamboo or cotton
Maintaining a consistent foot care routine at home can help keep fungal infections at bay.
When Should You See a Podiatrist?
While many cases can be treated at home, professional advice may be needed if:
the infection does not improve
the skin becomes very sore or cracked
the infection spreads
your toenails become thickened or discoloured
you have diabetes or circulation problems
A podiatrist can assess the condition and recommend appropriate treatment.
Can Athlete’s Foot Spread?
Yes, athlete’s foot is contagious.
It can spread:
to other areas of your feet
to your toenails
to other people
This is why early treatment and good hygiene are important.
Final Thoughts
Athlete’s foot is a common and treatable condition.
With the right approach, most cases can be managed effectively at home using antifungal treatments and good foot hygiene.
Keeping your feet clean, dry and well cared for can help prevent future infections.
If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking advice from a podiatrist can help ensure the condition is treated safely and effectively.
Always consult your podiatrist for personalised foot care advice. Nothing in this blog post or on this website should be used as a substitute for medical advice.
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