Athlete's Foot: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Athlete's Foot?
A primary care doctor can treat most cases of athlete's foot. For infections that do not go away or keep coming back, you may be referred to a dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin conditions, or a podiatrist, a doctor who treats foot problems. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by a fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. It is the most common type of tinea infection, a group of fungal skin infections. The fungus grows best in warm, moist places, and it most often affects the skin between the toes.
Athlete's foot spreads easily. It can pass through direct skin contact or through contact with items and surfaces such as shoes, socks, shower floors, and pool decks.
Symptoms
The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot. Other symptoms include:
- Red, itchy skin.
- Burning or stinging pain.
- Blisters that ooze or get crusty.
If the fungus spreads to the toenails, the nails can become discolored, thick, and may crumble. Athlete's foot can also appear at the same time as other fungal infections, such as jock itch, a fungal rash in the groin.
Causes and who gets it
Athlete's foot happens when a fungus grows on the skin of the feet. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas. Your risk goes up if you:
- Wear closed shoes, especially plastic-lined ones.
- Keep your feet wet for long periods.
- Sweat a lot.
- Have a minor skin or nail injury.
Anyone can get it, but people who walk barefoot in locker rooms, public showers, and around pools are more likely to pick up the fungus.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor can usually diagnose athlete's foot just by looking at the skin. Other rashes can look similar, so tests are sometimes needed. These may include a KOH exam, a quick office test that checks for fungus, a skin culture, or a skin biopsy, which takes a tiny sample of skin to study in a lab.
Treatment
Most cases get better with over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams. These contain medicines such as miconazole, clotrimazole, terbinafine, or tolnaftate. Keep using the medicine for 1 to 2 weeks after the skin looks clear, to keep the infection from coming back.
Home care matters too. Wash your feet with soap and water and dry them completely, especially between the toes, at least twice a day. Wear clean cotton socks and change socks and shoes as often as needed to keep your feet dry. Wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers and around pools. Shoes that breathe well and are made of natural material such as leather help; alternating shoes each day lets them dry out fully.
If athlete's foot does not get better in 2 to 4 weeks with self-care, or keeps coming back, see your doctor. A doctor may prescribe antifungal pills, stronger creams that kill the fungus, or antibiotics if scratching has caused a bacterial infection.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor right away if your foot is swollen and warm to the touch, especially with red streaks or pain. These can be signs of a bacterial infection. Other warning signs include pus, drainage, or fever. Also see a doctor if symptoms do not go away within 2 to 4 weeks of self-care.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A DPC or concierge doctor can look at the rash, suggest over-the-counter treatment, and check on healing with follow-up visits. If the infection is stubborn or keeps coming back, they can refer you to a dermatologist or podiatrist and help manage conditions like diabetes that make infections harder to clear.
Common questions
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. It spreads through direct contact with infected skin or through surfaces and items such as shoes, socks, shower floors, and pool decks. Not walking barefoot in public areas lowers the risk.
Will athlete's foot go away on its own?
It usually needs treatment, but it almost always responds well to self-care and over-the-counter antifungal medicine. It may come back, so long-term prevention steps may be needed.
How can I stop athlete's foot from coming back?
Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool. Dry between your toes after washing. Wear clean socks, change them often, and alternate shoes so they dry completely. Wear flip-flops in locker room showers, keep toenails clean and clipped short, and use antifungal or drying powders if you get infections often.
Can athlete's foot spread to other parts of the body?
Yes. The same fungus can grow on other parts of the body. The infection can spread to the toenails, and other fungal infections such as jock itch can appear at the same time.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Athlete's foot: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
- MedlinePlus - Athlete's Foot | Tinea Pedis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
