Athlete's foot is often characterised by itching, flaking and cracks between the toes. The symptoms are caused by a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist skin. It is therefore important to start using an athlete's foot cream promptly, so you can treat the underlying cause directly.

What is athlete's foot and how can you recognise it?

Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection of the skin. The infection usually occurs between the toes, but can also affect the sole, sides or underside of the foot.

Common signs of athlete's foot include:

• Itching between the toes or on the sole of the foot
• White flakes or peeling skin
• Cracks or fissures between the toes
• Red or irritated skin
• Sometimes an unpleasant odour

In some cases, blisters may develop or the fungal infection may spread across the sole of the foot.

Do you have athlete's foot or eczema?

The symptoms can sometimes resemble eczema, but there is an important difference. Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection and is contagious. You can easily pick up the fungus in warm, damp environments such as swimming pools and communal showers.

Eczema is caused by a skin reaction, for example due to irritation, an allergy or dry skin, and is not contagious.

Not sure what is causing your symptoms? Your GP can assess them.

Which athlete's foot cream or ointment should you choose?

Do you have persistent itching, flaking or cracks between your toes? Or do the symptoms keep coming back? You can treat the affected area with a cream or ointment. Not every product works in the same way, so it is important to know what you are using. You can often start with an athlete's foot cream.

An antifungal cream (treatment):

• Treats the cause (the fungus)
• Suitable for active athlete's foot
• Often contains active ingredients such as terbinafine

Antifungal cream with terbinafine (medicine)

In addition, you can sometimes use a medical device such as an ointment to care for the skin if you have cracks or irritation.

A healing ointment (supportive care):

• Soothes the skin and helps reduce cracks
• Reduces itching and redness
• Not suitable as the sole treatment

Only use this type of product as a supplementary treatment.

Care for minor wounds and cracks (medical device)

If you do not notice any improvement or are unsure about your symptoms, contact your GP.

Find out more about treating athlete's foot

Still unsure or want to make sure you are treating athlete's foot correctly? Read our detailed blog about treating athlete's foot, with tips to help prevent it from returning and advice for persistent symptoms.