Passionate about Healthcare? Join our team and help us shape a healthier tomorrow!

Health Library

Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot

Summary

Athlete’s foot is a common infection caused by a fungus. It most often affects the space between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked, scaly skin between your toes.

You can get athlete’s foot from damp surfaces, such as showers, swimming pools, and locker room floors. To prevent it:

  • Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool
  • Wear clean socks
  • Don’t walk barefoot in public areas
  • Wear flip-flops in locker room showers
  • Keep your toenails clean and clipped short

Treatments include over-the-counter antifungal creams for most cases and prescription medicines for more serious infections. These usually clear up the infection, but it can come back.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

Find an Expert

Start Here

Patient Handouts

Teenagers

Children

Images

Clinical Trials

Diagnosis and Tests

Prevention and Risk Factors

Journal Articles