Athlete’s Foot: A Men’s Health Guide

Overview

Athlete’s foot (medically called tinea pedis) is a common contagious fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet, most often the areas between the toes. It is caused by dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. Men are 2–3 times more likely to develop athlete’s foot than women, due to higher rates of heavy foot sweating, frequent use of non-breathable closed-toe shoes, and greater exposure to communal locker rooms and showers.

Signs & Symptoms

• Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet
• Scaly, peeling, or cracking skin, often between the toes
• Blistering that oozes fluid, especially on the bottom of the feet
• Foul odor from the affected skin
• Dry, raw, or swollen skin on the feet or soles
• In severe cases, the infection may spread to the toenails, causing them to thicken, turn yellow, or crumble

Causes & Risk Factors

Athlete’s foot is caused by contact with dermatophyte fungi, which feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. The fungus spreads through direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person, or indirectly via contaminated surfaces like locker room floors, shower mats, towels, socks, or shoes.

• Wearing non-breathable closed-toe shoes (such as work boots, rubber sneakers, or plastic shoes) for long periods, which traps moisture and heat against the feet
• Excessive foot sweating (hyperhidrosis), which creates a damp environment ideal for fungal growth
• Walking barefoot in communal areas like locker rooms, public pools, saunas, or shared showers
• Sharing towels, socks, shoes, or nail clippers with an infected person
• Having other fungal infections, such as jock itch or ringworm, which can spread to the feet
• Having diabetes or a weakened immune system, which makes it harder for your body to fight off fungal infections
• Wearing tight, ill-fitting shoes that cause friction and damage to the skin on the feet

Diagnosis

Most cases of athlete’s foot can be diagnosed with a simple physical exam by a healthcare provider, who will look for characteristic signs like scaling, cracking, or blisters on the feet. If the diagnosis is unclear, your provider may gently scrape a small sample of skin from the affected area to test for fungi under a microscope (a potassium hydroxide, or KOH, exam). In rare cases, a skin culture may be done to identify the specific type of fungus causing the infection.

Treatment & Management

For mild to moderate cases, over-the-counter antifungal treatments are usually effective. It is critical to use the medication for the full recommended course, even if your symptoms improve after a few days, to fully eliminate the fungus and prevent it from coming back. If your symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks of consistent OTC treatment, or if the infection is severe or widespread, see a healthcare provider for prescription options.

Living With It

With proper treatment and hygiene, most cases of athlete’s foot clear up completely without long-term complications. To reduce your risk of recurrence and avoid spreading the infection to others, follow these long-term foot care habits: keep your feet clean and dry, change your socks at least once daily (more often if your feet sweat heavily), wear breathable shoes made of natural materials like leather or mesh, alternate between two pairs of shoes each day to let them dry out fully, and always wear flip flops or shower shoes in communal locker rooms, showers, and pool areas.