Athlete's Foot: Finding the Right Cream and Preventing a Relapse

What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot (medically tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet and one of the most common skin infections of all. Usually so-called dermatophytes are the cause. The typical point of entry is the spaces between the toes, from where it often spreads further.

Athlete's foot is contagious: the fungi are transmitted via small skin scales, for example on floors in swimming pools, showers and changing rooms, or via shared towels and shoes. It usually does not disappear on its own, but can be treated well. The right cream and enough patience are important so that it does not come back.

Symptoms and forms

Athlete's foot looks different depending on the form. Common signs are:

• between the toes (the most common form): itching, scaling, reddened and sometimes soggy, whitish skin, small cracks. More on this: Itching.
• on the sole and heel (moccasin form): dry, scaly, slightly thickened skin, which is often mistaken for dry skin.
• with blisters (less common): itchy blisters on the sole or edge of the foot.

Athlete's foot can spread to the nails, which then becomes nail fungus, needing its own treatment. More on this: Nail fungus.

Diagnosis: usually clear, sometimes confused

Often athlete's foot can be recognised from its typical appearance. With the moccasin form, however, it is easily confused with dry skin or eczema, and psoriasis can look similar too.

If the diagnosis is unclear, the athlete's foot does not respond to treatment or tablets are being considered, the doctor can take some skin material and have it examined, under the microscope, in a fungal culture or by gene test (PCR). This allows the pathogen to be identified more precisely.

Which cream fits? Type of fungus and form decide

Instead of just grabbing any product, it is worth looking at which active substance fits which case. The most important groups:

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What also determines the choice: which fungus is likely and how the athlete's foot looks. Classic athlete's foot between the toes is caused by dermatophytes, and here terbinafine works fast and often with a short application. If a yeast is also possible or it is unclear which pathogen is present, an azole like clotrimazole with a broad spectrum is a good choice. The form matters too: creams suit dry, scaly skin, while gels, sprays or powders suit moist areas between the toes. Important: if the nails are also affected, a cream is not enough, then the nail fungus needs its own treatment.

Apply correctly and long enough

A cream only works if you apply it correctly and long enough. A few points that often make the difference:

• do not apply the cream only to the visibly affected spot, but also a little to the surrounding, healthy-looking skin, where the fungus often already is.
• treat between all toes too, not only where it itches.
• carry the treatment through for the whole recommended duration, depending on the product often for another one to two weeks after the symptoms are gone.

Prevent a relapse: shoes, socks and more

Athlete's foot comes back very often. With concrete measures you clearly lower the risk, especially around shoes and socks:

• dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes.
• wear breathable shoes and air shoes out and let them dry after wearing, ideally pausing for a day before putting them on again.
• change socks daily, more often with sweaty feet, ideally made of breathable material. Wash socks and towels hot (if possible 60 degrees) or use an antibacterial laundry rinse.
• disinfect shoes specifically, for example with an antifungal spray or powder.
• wear bathing shoes in swimming pools, saunas, communal showers and changing rooms, and do not share towels and shoes.
• treat an existing nail fungus too, otherwise it serves as a constant source of reinfection.

When to see a doctor

A visit to a family doctor or dermatology practice is sensible if the athlete's foot does not get better with a cream after a few weeks, keeps coming back, spreads or if the nails are also affected. Then tablets or a more targeted treatment are sometimes an option.

Stick with the treatment with brite

An athlete's foot treatment often fails because it is stopped too early. brite helps you apply the cream consistently and keep the overview.

• Application reminders: for the cream, right to the end of the recommended duration, even when it no longer itches.
• Progress in view: record how the skin develops, also helpful for your appointment.
• Interaction check: in case tablets are added, for example with additional nail fungus.
• Medication plan: all medicines in one place, ready for the next appointment.

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