Tinea pedis
Treatments for athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own. It can usually be treated using antifungal treatments available from pharmacies without needing to see a GP.
Antifungal treatments work by stopping the fungus causing your athlete's foot fromgrowing. They come in creams, sprays, liquids and powders, and are used in the following way:
- treatment should be applied directly to the affected skin and surrounding area
- wash and dry the affected skin before applying the treatment, and clean your hands afterwards
- continue treatment after the rash has cleared, as described in the leaflet that comes with your medicine, to make sure all the fungus has gone
Antifungal treatments are similarly effective, although some work faster than others. A pharmacist can recommend an antifungal medicine that's safe for you to use. Not all types are suitable for children, older people, and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
If your rash is very sore and itchy, a pharmacist may recommend using a mild steroid cream to ease any discomfort, but this should only be used for a short period and in combination with antifungal treatment.
Contact your GP if your athlete's foot doesn't start to improve after a week of treatment, or if it's causing significant pain or discomfort. Your GP may take a small skin sample for testing and recommend stronger antifungal medicines, including tablets.
It's also important to practise good foot hygiene during treatment to speed up recovery and prevent athlete's foot returning.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Read about athlete's foot, a common fungal infection of the foot. Find out about the symptoms, what causes it, and how it's treated.
Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot
Athlete's footmost commonlyaffects the skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Affected areas of skin may be: dry, red, scaly and flaky white, soggy and cracked itchy sore cover
How do you get athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot is caused by fungi growing and multiplying on the skin. The fungi that cause the infection thrive inwarm, dark and moist places like feet. You're more likely to get athlete's foot if y
Treatments for athlete's foot
Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own. It can usually be treated using antifungal treatments available from pharmacies without needing to see a GP. Antifungal treatments work by stoppi
Preventing athlete's foot
You can reduce your risk of developing athlete's foot by: dryingyour feet gently but thoroughly after washing them, particularly the areas between your toes wearing cotton socks and roomy shoes mad
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