What athlete’s foot really is (and why you shouldn’t ignore it)

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that typically develops between the toes, although it can spread to the sole and sides of the foot. It thrives in warm, moist environments, making it especially common in summer, in gyms, swimming pools, or among people who wear closed footwear for long periods.

While it may seem minor at first, leaving it untreated can lead to:

• Painful cracks that increase the risk of bacterial infections
• Persistent and unpleasant foot odour
• Spread to other parts of the body or to other people
• Discomfort when walking in more advanced cases

Why is it often misdiagnosed?

One of the biggest challenges with athlete’s foot is that it is frequently mistaken for dry skin, irritation, or mild dermatitis. If dry, flaky or cracked skin keeps returning despite moisturising, particularly around the soles and sides of your feet, don't automatically assume you simply need a stronger foot cream.

It could be athlete’s foot hiding in plain sight.

Common early signs that are often overlooked include:

• Light peeling between the toes
• Occasional itching that comes and goes
• Slight redness
• A feeling of tight or irritated skin

This delay in proper identification allows the infection to progress, making it harder to treat. Acting early is key.

Simple solutions that actually work

The good news…

is that athlete’s foot usually responds very well to simple, consistent care. In most cases, you do not need complex treatments.

Start with these essential habits:

• Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes, if you cannot reach your toes, use a toe drying brush
• Change socks daily and choose breathable materials like cotton or bamboo.
• Wear well-ventilated footwear whenever possible.
• Avoid staying in damp shoes for long periods.

Recommended antifungal treatments ( these are clinically trusted options):

Choosing the right product can make a noticeable difference. Some widely recommended over-the-counter antifungal treatments include:

• Lamisil Cream (terbinafine): Known for fast action, often improving symptoms within a few days. This is my go to for its effectiveness and speed. 
• Canesten Cream (clotrimazole): A reliable, widely used option suitable for mild to moderate infections. 
• Daktarin Cream (miconazole): Particularly effective if there is associated itching and irritation.

For moccasin athlete’s foot, I tend to prefer Lamisil cream because this type of fungal infection can cover quite a large area of the sole and sides of the foot. The cream allows the terbinafine to be applied thoroughly over all the affected skin for at least 4 weeks. 

However, if someone has restricted movement and struggles to reach their feet, I would consider Lamisil Once as a more practical option. It only requires a single application, so it can make treatment much easier for someone who would otherwise struggle to apply a cream regularly.

For prevention and moisture control:

• Scholl Antifungal Shoe Spray: Helps eliminate fungal spores inside footwear
• Zeasorb Antifungal Powder: Keeps feet dry while preventing recurrence, in many cases I see in clinic, sweating will induce recurrence of athlete’s foot so I always suggest prevention is the best option after you have had it once. 

When using any treatment, consistency is crucial. Continue applying the product for the full recommended duration—even if symptoms improve early—to prevent the infection from returning and I have seen this happening many times.

I also recommend using Dettol Laundry Sanitiser or Sursol when washing towels, bathmats, bedding, socks and anything else that regularly comes into contact with your feet. Fungal organisms can survive on fabrics and potentially contribute to reinfection, so treating the feet while ignoring everything they touch can be a little like cleaning the floor while walking over it in muddy shoes! Wash items regularly, follow the product instructions carefully, and avoid sharing towels while the infection is being treated. 

While many cases can be managed at home…

you should consult a specialist if:

• The condition does not improve after two weeks
• There is significant pain or deep cracking
• You have diabetes or circulation issues
• The infection spreads or worsens rapidly

Athlete’s foot may seem like a minor irritation, but when it is left untreated it can become persistent, uncomfortable and much harder to get on top of. Moccasin athlete’s foot in particular can easily be mistaken for simply having dry skin, which means people can live with it for months even years without realising what is going on.

At Pontardawe Foot Clinic, we can assess your feet, help identify what may be causing the changes in your skin and recommend the most appropriate way forward. We can also check your feet after treatment to help establish whether the fungal infection has cleared, rather than relying on appearance alone.

Sometimes your feet just need a little more attention than another layer of moisturiser!

If something doesn’t look or feel quite right, come and have it checked. Healthy feet make everyday life a lot more comfortable.