Print OverviewAthlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It commonly occurs in people whose feet have become very sweaty while confined within tight-fitting shoes. Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot include an itchy, scaly rash. The condition is contagious and can be spread via contaminated floors, towels or clothing. Athlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections such as ringworm and jock itch. It can be treated with antifungal medications, but the infection often comes back.Products & ServicesA Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health BookA Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home RemediesNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic Symptoms Athlete's foot Enlarge image Close Athlete's foot Athlete's foot Illustration of athlete’s foot on different skin colors. The fungal infection causes scaly rash that may itch, sting or burn. Athlete's foot can affect one or both feet. Common signs and symptoms are: Scaly, peeling or cracked skin between the toes Itchiness, especially right after taking off shoes and socks Inflamed skin that might appear reddish, purplish or grayish, depending on your skin color Burning or stinging Blisters Dry, scaly skin on the bottom of the foot that extends up the side When to see a doctor Athlete's foot on side of foot Enlarge image Close Athlete's foot on side of foot Athlete's foot on side of foot Athlete's foot can cause dry, scaly skin on the bottom and sides of the foot. If you have a rash on your foot that doesn't improve within two weeks of beginning self-treatment with an over-the-counter antifungal product, see your doctor. If you have diabetes, see your doctor if you suspect that you have athlete's foot. Also see your doctor if you have signs of an infection — swelling of the affected area, pus, fever. Request an appointment There is a problem with information submitted for this request. 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Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry CausesAthlete's foot is caused by the same type of fungi (dermatophytes) that cause ringworm and jock itch. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions favor the organisms' growth. Athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through contact with an infected person or from contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes. You can also spread it from the foot to other parts of the body, especially if you scratch or pick the infected parts of your foot. Risk factorsYou are at higher risk of athlete's foot if you: Frequently wear enclosed footwear Sweat heavily Share mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes or shoes with someone who has a fungal infection Walk barefoot in public areas where the infection can spread, such as locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, communal baths and showers ComplicationsThe athlete's foot infection can spread to other warm, moist parts of the body. Jock itch is often caused by the same fungus that results in athlete's foot. It's common for the infection to spread from the feet to the groin because the fungus can travel on hands or towels. Athlete's foot can sometimes lead to bacterial infections. PreventionThese tips can help you avoid athlete's foot or avoid spreading it to others: Let your feet air out. When you can, wear sandals to let your feet air out as much as possible. Wash your feet daily. Use warm, soapy water and rinse and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes. Apply a medicated foot powder (Tinactin, Gold Bond, others) or other medicated powder (Lotrimin AF, Zeasorb, others) if you're prone to athlete's foot. Change socks regularly. Change your socks at least once a day — more often if your feet get really sweaty. Moisture-wicking socks, such as those made from cotton, help keep your feet drier than do nylon socks. Alternate pairs of shoes. Use different shoes from day to day. This gives your shoes time to dry after each use. Protect your feet in public places. Wear waterproof sandals or shoes around public pools, showers and lockers rooms. Be aware of the risk factors for spreading the condition. If you live with others, don't share shoes or unwashed bedding and towels. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an appointment Diagnosis & treatment Sept. 28, 2023 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Tinea pedis. Mayo Clinic; 2021. Accessed June 8, 2021. Thompson DA. Athlete's foot. In: Adult Telephone Protocols. 4th ed. American Academy of Pediatrics; 2019. High WA, et al., eds. Special considerations in skin of color. In: Dermatology Secrets. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 8, 2021. Ferri FF. Tinea pedis. In: Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2021. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed June 8, 2021. Newman CC, et al. Clinical pearls in dermatology 2017. Disease-a-Month 2017; doi.org/10.1016/j.disamonth.2017.03.003. Crawford F, et al. Topical treatments for fungal infections of the skin and nails of the foot. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2016; doi.10.1002/14651858.CD001434.pub2. Bell-Syer EM, et al. Oral treatments for fungal infections of the skin of the foot. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015; doi.10.1002/14651858.CD003584.pub2. Office of Patient Education. Fungal infection: Athlete's foot. Mayo Clinic; 2010. Related Athlete's foot Athlete's foot (side of foot) Athlete's foot between the toes Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book A Book: Mayo Clinic Guide to Home Remedies Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Athlete's footSymptoms&causesDiagnosis&treatment Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. 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There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Email Address 1 ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data. We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email. Subscribe! Thank you for subscribing! You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Sorry something went wrong with your subscription Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry