If you have itching, burning, or peeling skin between your toes, you may have athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). This common fungal infection thrives in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, locker rooms, gyms, and public pools.
Athlete’s foot often starts between the toes but can spread to the soles of the feet or even the toenails if left untreated. Because the infection is contagious, early treatment helps prevent it from spreading to other areas of the foot or to other people.
Most cases improve with proper antifungal treatment and a few simple steps to keep the feet dry and protected.
Common symptoms
- Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes
- Peeling, cracking, or scaly skin
- Redness or irritation on the toes or soles
- Dry or flaky skin that may spread across the foot
- Blisters or painful skin fissures in more severe cases
Common causes
- Warm, sweaty feet trapped in tight shoes
- Walking barefoot in locker rooms, pools, or gym showers
- Sharing shoes, socks, or towels
- Not fully drying the feet after bathing
- Weakened skin barrier or minor cuts between the toes
Conservative treatments that work
1) Antifungal medications
Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams, sprays, or powders are typically the first line of treatment. These help eliminate the fungal infection and reduce symptoms.
2) Keep feet clean and dry
Wash your feet daily and dry carefully between the toes. Fungi thrive in moisture, so keeping the area dry helps prevent the infection from spreading.
3) Change socks regularly
Moist socks allow fungus to grow. Wearing breathable socks and changing them after sweating can help control moisture.
4) Wear breathable footwear
Shoes that allow airflow help keep feet dry. Avoid tight or non-breathable shoes that trap moisture for long periods.
5) Antifungal powders or sprays for shoes
Treating the inside of your shoes can help prevent reinfection by eliminating fungal spores that remain in footwear.
6) Treat the infection early
If athlete’s foot is left untreated, the infection may spread to the toenails (onychomycosis) or other areas of the foot. Early treatment reduces the chance of recurrence.
When should you get checked?
You should schedule an evaluation if symptoms last longer than two weeks, the infection keeps coming back, the skin becomes cracked or painful, or the infection begins spreading to the toenails or other areas of the foot.
Service area
We service towns within a 15-mile radius such as: Commack, Smithtown, Kings Park, East Northport, Northport, Fort Salonga, Hauppauge, Stony Brook, St. James, Nesconset, Lake Grove, Ronkonkoma, Holbrook, Bohemia, Central Islip, Brentwood, Deer Park, Dix Hills, Huntington Station, Huntington, Melville, Greenlawn, Centerport, Cold Spring Harbor, East Setauket, Setauket, Port Jefferson Station, Selden, Farmingville, Islandia, and surrounding Long Island communities.
If symptoms persist or worsen, professional podiatric treatment can help clear the infection and prevent it from returning.
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Schedule Your Foot & Ankle Appointment Today
If you are experiencing foot pain, heel discomfort, sports injuries, or chronic conditions affecting your feet or ankles, the team at Mike Liu Podiatry is here to help. Our goal is to diagnose the cause of your symptoms and provide personalized treatment designed to restore comfort and mobility.
Mike Liu Podiatry
366 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Ste 9 Commack, NY 11725
Phone: (631) 836-6651