Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, especially between the toes. It thrives in warm, damp conditions. This guide will show you how to spot it, treat it fast, and, most importantly, stop it from coming back.
Do your feet feel itchy after a day in closed-toed shoes? Is the skin between your toes red, irritated, or peeling? These common early signs could be the first warning signs of athlete’s foot.
The infection usually begins with:
The infection usually starts between the fourth and fifth toes. If not treated, it can spread to the sole, heel, or sides of the foot. In more serious cases, blisters or thickened skin can appear.
Good to know: It isn’t always easy to tell the difference between simple irritation and a fungal infection. If symptoms persist or get worse, it’s a good idea to talk to your pharmacist right away.
A fungal infection often stands out by how persistent it is: It doesn’t go away with basic care and tends to come back in the same spot. If the problem spreads, changes in appearance, or persists between the toes in a damp, whitish area, that’s a clear sign of fungal infection.
A fungus is the microorganism itself. A fungal infection is what happens when that fungus grows on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. In other words: The fungus is the cause and the infection is the result. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, damp places, like the area between your toes.
Like many infections, athlete’s foot is easier to prevent than to treat. It starts with a good hygiene routine.
Each day, take a few minutes to do the following:
Remember: It’s important to wear sandals in pools, spas, and changing rooms. These places are perfect breeding grounds for fungi. Also, follow our tips for healthy, great-looking feet every day.
At your Brunet pharmacy, you’ll find a range of practical solutions, including:
These products help lower the risk of developing athlete’s foot, especially if you’re often in environments where it can spread. For help choosing the right products, speak with your pharmacist.
Athlete’s foot is easy to treat; but it’s important not to ignore it. It’s best to start using an over-the-counter antifungal treatment at the first signs. Creams, powders, gels, and sprays are available in different easy-to-use formats for daily application.
It’s important to finish the entire course of treatment, even if symptoms disappear quickly. Generally, it’s recommended to continue treatment for two to four weeks, following the product’s instructions. If the infection isn’t fully treated, the fungus can return, sometimes stronger and harder to eliminate.
Follow a good daily routine:
Remember to always wash your hands after each application to avoid spreading the fungus to other parts of your body or to those around you.
The name is misleading: Athlete’s foot doesn’t only affect athletes. Anyone who spends long hours in closed-toed shoes or frequents damp environments is at risk. It’s also a common infection among teenagers and people with physically demanding jobs, like construction workers.
Yes, athlete’s foot is very contagious. The fungus spreads easily through direct contact with an infected surface. Going barefoot on a shower floor, using a shared towel, or borrowing shoes—all of these can increase the risk of picking up the infection.
You may have heard that you can treat athlete’s foot with white vinegar foot soaks or antifungal essential oils such as tea tree oil. These home remedies can offer some relief, especially in the early stages of the infection. But on their own, they’re often not enough to fully eliminate it.
Keep in mind that home remedies are not a substitute for medical treatment. Talk to your pharmacist before combining them with an antifungal treatment.
We often forget that looking after our feet is an important part of staying healthy. Keeping them clean and in good condition helps prevent infections, irritation, and everyday discomfort. Hydrated, supple skin reduces the risk of cracks and calluses, and properly trimmed nails can help you avoid ingrown toenails.
Healthy feet contribute to:
You can find all our tips for healthy feet in our article: Don’t forget your feet!
Athlete’s foot is a common, mild infection that can affect anyone. In most cases, an over-the-counter antifungal treatment from your pharmacy is enough to solve the problem. But sometimes, the infection can persist or worsen.
If you notice no improvement, it’s a good idea to consult a health care professional. To learn more, check out our foot care services.
See a doctor if:
Last updated on June 26, 2025
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