Athletes foot is a fungal infection caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes that affects the skin on your feet.

The fungus on the feet thrives in warm and moist conditions and usually is found in feet that have become very sweaty whilst being confined in tight fitting shoes or trainers.

Athletes foot is a highly contagious infection and can easily spread in public changing rooms, showers and swimming pools.

The infection usually occurs between the toes but can also spread to other parts of the foot.

As athletes foot is quite contagious, you can pick this infection up by:

• walking barefoot in places where someone else has athletes foot for eg – changing rooms, showers
• touching the affected skin of someone with athletes foot

You are more likely to catch this infection if your feet are wet or sweaty or if the skin on your feet is damaged.

The most common symptoms of athletes foot include:

• itchy, white patches between the toes
• sore, flaky patches on the feet
• fluid filled blisters on the soles or sides of feet
• smelly feet
• softening or whitening of skin between the toes

Athletes foot is unlikely to get better on its own and so you can treat it using anti-fungal medicines. These usually take a few weeks to work.
Athletes foot treatments come as creams, sprays and powders. Please check with your pharmacist to ensure you receive suitable treatment.

There are preventative measures you can follow to prevent this infection from coming back.

Ensure you:

• dry your feet thoroughly after washing them especially in between the toes
• use a separate towel for your feet and wash this regularly
• take your shoes off when at home
• change your socks everyday

Ensure you DONT:

• scratch affected skin as the infection can spread to other parts of the body
• walk around barefoot in public changing rooms and showers
• share towels, socks or shoes with people
• wear the same pair of shoes for more than 2 days in a row
• wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty

Please see your GP if:

• symptoms don’t improve or worsen after using an athletes foot treatment
• your foot or leg is hot, painful and red as this could indicate a serious infection
• infection spreads to other parts of your body for example – your hands
• you have diabetes – foot problems are more serious if you have diabetes
• you have a weakened immune system
• you are pregnant or elderly