Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that affects your feet.
The main symptoms of athlete’s foot are itchy white patches and cracked skin, usually between the toes.
You can usually treat athlete's foot using antifungal creams, sprays or powders bought from a pharmacy. See a GP if these do not work.
You can catch athlete's foot from walking barefoot in places where someone else has it or touching the affected skin of someone with it.
The main symptoms of athlete’s foot are itchy white patches and cracked skin, usually between the toes.
Symptoms of athlete's foot include:
Itchy white patches between your toes.
Red, sore and flaky patches on your feet.
Skin that may crack and bleed.
It can also affect your soles or sides of your feet. If it's not treated, it can spread to your toenails and cause a fungal nail infection.
Athlete's foot sometimes causes fluid-filled blisters.
You can usually treat athlete's foot using antifungal creams, sprays or powders bought from a pharmacy. See a GP if these do not work.
You can keep using some pharmacy treatments to stop athlete's foot coming back.
It's also important to keep your feet clean and dry. You don't need to stay off work or school.
dry your feet after washing them, particularly between your toes – dab them dry rather than rubbing them
use a separate towel for your feet and wash it regularly
take your shoes off when at home
wear clean socks every day – cotton socks are best
do not scratch affected skin – this can spread it to other parts of your body
do not walk around barefoot – wear flip-flops in places like changing rooms and showers
do not share towels, socks or shoes with other people
do not wear the same pair of shoes for more than 2 days in a row
do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
Keep following this advice after finishing treatment to help stop athlete's foot coming back.
Your GP may:
You can catch athlete's foot from walking barefoot in places where someone else has it or touching the affected skin of someone with it.