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.

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.

Athlete's Foot and Fungal Nails: Treatment, Management and Prevention

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.

Learn more about fungal nail infections here.

What Causes Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi naturally thrive in warm, moist environments, which is why the feet are particularly susceptible to infection.

Common risk factors for athlete's foot include:

• Sweaty feet

• Wearing shoes for long periods

• Using communal showers or changing rooms

• Walking barefoot around swimming pools

• Wearing tight or non-breathable footwear

• Having a previous fungal infection

• Having a weakened immune system

It's important to remember that athlete's foot is extremely common and can affect anyone, not just athletes.

Can Athlete's Foot Go Away on Its Own?

In some very mild cases, athlete's foot may improve if the feet are kept clean and dry. However, most fungal infections do not completely resolve without treatment.

Without treatment, athlete's foot may:

• Persist for months or years

• Spread to other areas of the foot

• Spread to the toenails

• Return repeatedly

• Cause increasing irritation and discomfort

The good news is that most cases respond well to appropriate antifungal treatment when started early.

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.

Lamisil is a treatment that we frequently recommend in clinic. Daktarin is another good option!

Lamisil Cream

Lamisil Spray

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.

Why Does Athlete's Foot Keep Coming Back?

One of the most frustrating things about athlete's foot is that it often returns after treatment.

This usually happens because the fungus has not been completely eliminated or because the conditions that allowed it to develop in the first place have not changed.

Common reasons athlete's foot returns include:

• Stopping treatment too early

• Not treating shoes or socks

• Excessive sweating

• Wearing the same shoes every day

• Not drying between the toes properly

• Having an untreated fungal nail infection

• Picking up the infection again from communal environments

Continuing treatment for the recommended duration and maintaining good foot hygiene can help reduce the risk of recurrence.

Should You Use Home Remedies for Athlete's Foot?

There are many home remedies suggested for athlete's foot online, including vinegar soaks, tea tree oil and bicarbonate of soda.

While some people find these remedies helpful, there is limited scientific evidence to support many of them.

For this reason, podiatrists generally recommend using proven antifungal treatments that have been specifically developed to treat fungal infections.

If you choose to try home remedies, it is important to seek professional advice if symptoms persist or worsen.

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.

Can Athlete's Foot Spread to Your Toenails?

Yes. Athlete's foot and fungal nail infections are closely linked.

The same fungi that cause athlete's foot can sometimes spread into the toenails, causing fungal nail infections.

Signs that the infection may have spread to the nails include:

• Thickening of the nail

• Yellow, white or brown discolouration

• Crumbly or brittle nails

• Changes in nail shape

• Debris beneath the nail

This is one reason why treating athlete's foot early is so important.

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.