Athlete’s foot usually clears with an antifungal cream, gel, spray or powder from the pharmacy, as long as you keep using it after the rash has gone. Keeping your feet dry, especially between the toes, is just as important as the treatment itself. If it doesn’t improve after a few weeks, keeps coming back or you have diabetes, see a GP.
This guide is part of our common illnesses A–Z, covering everyday health problems and when to get help.
What is athlete’s foot?
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection of the feet. Despite the name, you don’t need to be sporty to get it. The fungi that cause it thrive in warm, moist places, which is why the skin between your toes, trapped inside sweaty shoes and socks, is a favourite spot.
On the Gold Coast, our humid summers, daily swims and closed-in work shoes make it very common. Gym change rooms, pool decks and shared showers at holiday apartments are all places it can spread.
Symptoms of athlete’s foot
According to healthdirect and the Better Health Channel, athlete’s foot can cause:
- itching and stinging, often between the toes;
- red, scaly or peeling skin;
- cracked skin between the toes;
- itchy, red blisters.
How do you catch athlete’s foot?
The Better Health Channel explains tinea spreads by skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly through towels, clothes and floors. healthdirect notes the fungus can live on the floor of communal showers and change rooms and spread from one person’s foot to another.
You’re more likely to get it if you:
- have sweaty feet or wear enclosed shoes for long periods;
- walk barefoot in public showers, pools, gyms or change rooms;
- don’t dry thoroughly between your toes;
- share towels, socks or shoes.
Athlete’s foot treatment: your options at a glance
| Option | Where to get it | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Antifungal creams, gels and sprays | Pharmacy, no prescription needed | The usual first choice for skin infections. Ask your pharmacist which suits you. |
| Antifungal powders | Pharmacy | Available without a prescription. Ask your pharmacist whether a powder, a cream or both suits you. |
| Antifungal tablets | Prescription from a GP | healthdirect notes most antifungal tablets need a prescription. They may be needed for stubborn infections. |
Your athlete’s foot questions, answered
How long do I need to use the cream?
Longer than you think. healthdirect advises continuing tinea creams for 2 weeks after the signs of infection have gone, and the Royal Children’s Hospital also recommends keeping going after the rash has cleared. Keeping going helps stop the infection coming back. Follow the label or your pharmacist’s advice for the product you’re using.
How long does athlete’s foot take to clear?
healthdirect says it can take weeks or even months for tinea to clear, depending on the type of fungus and where it is.
Can I still go to the beach or the pool?
Yes, but wear thongs around the pool deck and in change rooms and showers, as the Better Health Channel recommends. That protects you and stops you passing it on. Dry your feet well afterwards, including between each toe.
Can it spread to other parts of my body?
Yes. healthdirect notes tinea can spread into the toenails, causing a fungal nail infection, and the Better Health Channel notes the groin is another common spot. Don’t share towels, and wash your hands after applying treatment.
Is it athlete’s foot or something else?
Other skin conditions can also cause red, itchy, flaky feet. If you’re not sure, or treatment isn’t working, ask your pharmacist or GP to take a look.
What you can do at home
- Dry thoroughly between your toes after showering and swimming. healthdirect and the Better Health Channel both put this first.
- Choose cotton socks and change them daily, or more often if your feet get sweaty.
- Air your feet. Wear breathable shoes or sandals when you can, and alternate shoes so each pair dries out.
- Wash socks and towels in hot water, as healthdirect suggests.
- Don’t share towels, socks or shoes.
- Wear thongs in communal showers, gyms and pool areas.
How your pharmacist can help
You don’t need an appointment to ask about athlete’s foot. Our pharmacists can:
- check whether your symptoms look like tinea or another skin condition;
- help you choose between a cream, gel, spray or powder;
- explain how long to keep using it;
- check for signs that you need to see a GP.
You can also browse the other services at our pharmacy.
When to see a GP about athlete’s foot
See your doctor if:
- the rash hasn’t improved after a few weeks of treatment, which the Royal Children’s Hospital says is a reason to get the diagnosis checked;
- it keeps coming back;
- the infection has spread to your toenails or other parts of your body;
- the skin is very red, swollen, hot, painful or oozing pus, which could mean a bacterial infection;
- you have a fever or feel unwell;
- you have a weakened immune system.
If you have diabetes, don’t manage foot problems on your own. Diabetes Australia advises checking your feet every day and getting urgent medical care for even a mild foot infection, including any sore, crack or open wound. See your GP or podiatrist promptly.
Talk to our pharmacists at Pacific Fair
If itchy, peeling feet are driving you mad, our pharmacists can help you choose an antifungal treatment and share tips to stop it coming back. Pop in, with no appointment needed. Find us on the ground floor of Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach, open 7 days (until 9pm Thursdays), or call (07) 5592 2099.
Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey (BPharmSci, MPharm), Pharmacist.
Sources
- healthdirect – Tinea
- healthdirect – Antifungal medicines
- healthdirect – Toenail infection
- Better Health Channel – Tinea
- The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne – Ringworm
- Diabetes Australia – Diabetes and your feet
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.