Athlete's Foot: Symptoms, Best Antifungal Treatments and How to Keep It From Coming Back
Written by Naurah Gaspard, DNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC · Medically reviewed by Cherlie Joseph, MSN, FNP-BC · Updated November 2026
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection that causes itchy, scaly, peeling or cracked skin, most often between the toes or across the soles. Over-the-counter antifungal creams like terbinafine or clotrimazole clear most cases in 1 to 4 weeks. Keep using the cream for a week or two after the skin looks clear, and see a provider if it does not improve, spreads to your nails or you have diabetes.
In this guide
Symptoms and types
- Between the toes (most common): itchy, white, soggy or peeling skin, often between the fourth and fifth toes; cracks can sting or smell.
- Moccasin type: dry, fine scale and thickened skin across the sole and sides of the foot, often on both feet. It is easy to mistake for dry skin and tends to linger.
- Blistering type: itchy blisters, usually on the arch.
The same fungus can spread to the toenails (thick, yellow, crumbly nails), the groin (jock itch) or the hands, often from scratching. Eczema, psoriasis and contact dermatitis from shoe materials can look similar. Our rash identifier guide can help.
Why it is so common in Florida
The fungi that cause athlete's foot thrive in warm, damp places. Florida heat and humidity, sweaty sneakers, and barefoot walking on pool decks, gym showers and locker rooms all help it spread. It passes by direct contact with skin flakes on floors, towels, shoes and socks. Some people are simply more prone to it and get it again and again.
Itchy, peeling feet that keep coming back?
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Start a rash visit →Antifungal treatments compared
| Product | Examples | Typical label course |
|---|---|---|
| Terbinafine cream or gel | Lamisil AT | About 1 to 2 weeks; often works fastest |
| Butenafine cream | Lotrimin Ultra | About 1 to 4 weeks depending on product |
| Azole creams | Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF), miconazole | About 4 weeks |
| Tolnaftate | Tinactin, powders and sprays | About 4 weeks; good for prevention too |
| Prescription options | Stronger creams; oral terbinafine or itraconazole for stubborn, moccasin or nail infection | Set by your provider; some need lab monitoring |
Tips that make treatment work:
- Wash and dry feet well, especially between the toes, before applying.
- Spread the cream a little beyond the edge of the rash.
- Follow the label for how often and how long, and keep going for 1 to 2 weeks after the skin clears.
- Treat your shoes with antifungal powder or spray, and treat jock itch or other spots at the same time.
- Avoid steroid-only creams, which can make fungal infections spread.
When over-the-counter treatment is not enough
See a provider if:
- There is no improvement after 2 weeks, or it is not gone after 4 weeks.
- It is the moccasin type, which often needs prescription treatment.
- Your toenails are thick, discolored or crumbly.
- It keeps coming back.
- You have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system. Cracked skin on the feet can let bacteria in, so prompt treatment matters.
The CDC has also reported growing cases in the US of ringworm-type fungal infections that respond poorly to standard treatment, including terbinafine. A rash that does not respond as expected may need a skin scraping to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
Preventing athlete's foot
- Dry your feet well, especially between the toes, after showers and swimming.
- Wear shower shoes or flip-flops at pools, gyms and locker rooms.
- Choose moisture-wicking socks and change them when damp; cotton holds sweat.
- Rotate shoes so each pair dries for 24 hours; breathable shoes and sandals help in Florida heat.
- Use an antifungal powder in shoes if you get it often.
- Do not share towels, socks or shoes.
- Wash socks and towels in hot water.
Get in-person care or call 911 if you have:
- Spreading redness, warmth and swelling up the foot or leg, or red streaks
- Fever or chills with a foot rash
- Pus, an open sore or a wound that is not healing, especially with diabetes
- A foot that is cold, pale, numb or turning dark
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of athlete's foot?
Terbinafine cream often works fastest, with many people improving within 1 to 2 weeks. Keep feet dry, follow the label and continue for a week or two after the skin clears to keep it from coming back.
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. It spreads by contact with skin flakes on floors, towels, shoes and socks. Wear shower shoes in shared spaces and do not share towels.
Why does my athlete's foot keep coming back?
Common reasons are stopping treatment too early, untreated toenail fungus, damp shoes and socks, or a fungus that needs prescription treatment. A provider can help sort it out.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Athlete's Foot
- CDC: About Ringworm
- American Academy of Dermatology: Ringworm diagnosis and treatment
Keep reading
Clear up athlete's foot for good
$79 visit, no appointment needed. Adults 18+ in FL, NM, OR and WA.
Start a rash visit →
Naurah Gaspard, DNP, FNP-C, FNP-BC
Board-certified family nurse practitioner licensed in Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington, caring for adults online at OurTopClinic. Meet our providers.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment, including any prescription, is decided by a licensed provider after reviewing your health history. OurTopClinic is not for emergencies; if you have a medical emergency, call 911. OurTopClinic serves adults located in Florida, New Mexico, Oregon and Washington. Learn more at ourtopclinic.com.
