It often begins with something so minor you barely register it \u2013 a faint itch between the toes\u2026 a patch of skin that looks a little dry. Easy to ignore. Easier still to put down to nothing more than tired feet after a long day.<\/p>\n
But experts warn that these seemingly harmless signs can be the first hint of a condition that is becoming increasingly difficult to treat.<\/p>\n
Athlete\u2019s foot is a common fungal infection affecting an estimated 16 million Britons at any one time. And while for many it clears within weeks with over-the-counter creams, doctors say a growing number of cases are proving far more stubborn.<\/p>\n
When the infection takes hold, the skin can become red, cracked and inflamed, peeling away in strips as the itch intensifies. In some cases it spreads to the toenails, leaving them thickened, discoloured and brittle.<\/p>\n
Athlete\u2019s foot \u2013 or tinea pedis \u2013 can also open the door to more serious problems. Breaks in the skin allow bacteria to enter, increasing the risk of infections such as cellulitis \u2013 a potentially serious condition that causes painful swelling, redness and heat in the deeper layers of the skin, and can require urgent treatment.<\/p>\n
And the fungus rarely stays put. Once established, it can spread beyond the feet, creeping into other warm, hidden folds of the body \u2013 the groin, the buttocks, the inner thighs \u2013 turning a minor irritation into something far more persistent and difficult to shake.<\/p>\n
Experts now warn that it can become effectively untreatable, even with the strongest over-the-counter creams, thanks to the rise of drug-resistant trichophyton \u2013 the fungus that often causes the infection.<\/p>\n
Previously, a course of the antifungal terbinafine \u2013 found in many over-the-counter treatments \u2013 was usually enough to clear athlete\u2019s foot. But now around a third of those being treated by the NHS need repeated treatment, while for some the creams are completely ineffective.<\/p>\n
![\"Athlete\u2019s](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/04\/18\/18\/107991461-15745105-image-a-100_1776535068056.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nAthlete\u2019s foot\u00a0\u2013 or tinea pedis \u2013 is a common fungal infection affecting an estimated 16 million Britons at any one time<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
![\"Experts](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/04\/18\/18\/107991455-15745105-image-m-95_1776534712463.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nExperts also warn that athlete\u2019s foot can be passed on directly from person to person, while those who sweat more are often more prone to infection<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
If the infection becomes hard to treat, patients may need to stay on antifungal medication for prolonged periods to control symptoms \u2013 and even then it may fail to respond and could worsen.<\/p>\n
\u2018There is certainly some level of resistance in the fungus that causes athlete\u2019s foot,\u2019 says Professor Darius Armstrong-James, an infectious disease expert at Imperial College London. \u2018There is now a proportion of cases where the creams do not work and oral antifungals have to be used alongside lifestyle changes.\u2019<\/p>\n
Where athlete\u2019s foot strikes<\/h2>\n
Athlete\u2019s foot is caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes, which also cause ringworm \u2013 scaly, red rashes that can appear anywhere on the body.<\/p>\n
It can develop on moist, waterlogged skin, usually at first between the fourth and fifth toes, or on dry, flaky skin around the heels or elsewhere on the foot. Large, painful cracks can develop, and the infection can spread across the toes and sometimes to the soles of the feet.<\/p>\n
IT’S A FACT<\/h3>\n\nThe soles of the foot contain 600 sweat glands per square centimetre of skin, more than any other region of the body.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2018When people come into my clinic, they often know that something is wrong, but they are too embarrassed to talk about it,\u2019 says Dr Sabika Karim, a GP and skin specialist at Skin Medical in Northwood, north-west London.<\/p>\n
\u2018They often come in for something else and I spot it, and then they tell me they have spent months using antifungal creams and it either will not budge or keeps coming back. What they often do not realise is that treatment without changing habits means it will not truly go away.\u2019<\/p>\n
Dermatophytes are usually passed on via skin-to-skin contact. The fungal spores can live on the skin and under fingernails for some time without triggering a rash, and they thrive in places such as wet towels, shared bathroom floors and changing rooms.<\/p>\n
\u2018Simple changes like wearing flip-flops in gym showers, not sharing towels and keeping feet dry can really reduce the risk,\u2019 says Dr Karim.<\/p>\n
Experts also warn that athlete\u2019s foot can be passed on directly from person to person, while those who sweat more are often more prone to infection. Once your feet have been contaminated, the warm, dark and sweaty environment inside shoes or trainers provides the perfect breeding ground for the fungus.<\/p>\n
\u2018For athlete\u2019s foot to develop, it needs the right combination of exposure to fungal spores and opportunity,\u2019 says Dr Karim. \u2018That might mean sweatier skin, skin in poor condition or someone with a weakened immune system.\u2019<\/p>\n
Why both your shoes and socks matter<\/h2>\n
Fungus thrives in places that are warm, dark and damp \u2013 which is why footwear is crucial.<\/p>\n
Inside a shoe, temperatures can reach around 35C. Add sweat and darkness, and you have created ideal conditions for fungus to grow and spread.<\/p>\n
A 2019 study by Japanese researchers analysing data from 420 people found that shoe type was a key factor in the risk of developing tinea pedis.<\/p>\n
They found men were more likely to wear shoes that raised the temperature of their feet and were therefore more likely to develop athlete\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n
Cloth shoes, as well as closed leather shoes, were found to have the highest humidity levels, putting wearers at greater risk.<\/p>\n
\u2018It is really important to wear breathable footwear,\u2019 says Dr Karim. \u2018While that is not always possible, it is important to rotate the shoes you wear. People often do not spend enough time barefoot, letting their feet breathe, so when at home try to spend more time without shoes and socks on.\u2019<\/p>\n
Research also suggests that socks can play an important role. A study in 2000 by Japanese researchers discovered that wool varieties were best at preventing infection because they reduced the chances of harmful spores remaining in prolonged contact with the wearer\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n
Wool is also more breathable than synthetic fibres such as nylon, which are commonly found in socks and tights.<\/p>\n
By contrast, one of the worst habits is wearing shoes or trainers without socks, which allows sweat to build up directly on the skin and creates the warm, damp conditions in which fungus thrives.<\/p>\n
Experts say that, wherever possible, feet should be kept cool and dry, with socks acting as a barrier to absorb moisture and reduce prolonged contact with spores.<\/p>\n
\n\n ![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/04\/18\/18\/107991459-15745105-image-a-96_1776534751352.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nDr Sabika Karim says it is\u00a0important ‘to wear breathable footwear and ‘rotate the shoes you wear’ to prevent infection<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\n\n ![\"Dr](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/04\/18\/19\/107991463-15745105-image-m-101_1776535250925.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nDr Sangeeta Punjabi warns of complications from athlete’s foot, as the ‘infection breaks down the skin between the toes, creating an entry point for bacteria’<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2018What matters most is keeping the feet dry \u2013 so changing socks regularly, not just daily but also after exercise,\u2019 says Dr Karim.<\/p>\n
\u2018And where possible avoid synthetic fabrics. I often see women who wear tights made from these materials developing athlete\u2019s foot.\u2019<\/p>\n
To prevent reinfection, experts recommend drying thoroughly between the toes, as this is where fungus often first takes hold, and using antifungal powders inside shoes.<\/p>\n
Not just a problem for athletes<\/h2>\n
Despite the name, it is not just athletes who are at risk.<\/p>\n
A 2025 study published in the Qatar Medical Journal found that people aged over 70 were 25 times more likely to be diagnosed with athlete\u2019s foot than those under 30, while obese people were at 15 times higher risk.<\/p>\n
Dr Karim says: \u2018I often see older people who are otherwise very health-conscious but have neglected their feet.\u2019<\/p>\n
Research also shows that diabetics are seven times more likely to develop athlete\u2019s foot \u2013 and they are at far greater risk of complications.<\/p>\n
This is partly because diabetes can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation to the feet, slowing the body\u2019s ability to heal. It can also affect the nerves, meaning small cuts, cracks or infections may go unnoticed and untreated.<\/p>\n
\u2018For people with diabetes, athlete\u2019s foot is not only more common but can also wreak havoc,\u2019 says Dr Sangeeta Punjabi, consultant dermatologist at Syon Clinic in west London, part of Circle Health Group.<\/p>\n
\nIT’S A FACT<\/h3>\n\nWithin just two weeks of wear, a new shoe can accumulate around 440,000 units of bacteria.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2018The infection breaks down the skin between the toes, creating an entry point for bacteria. That can lead to cellulitis \u2013 a deeper skin infection that can spread quickly if not treated. I have seen this land people in emergency departments, because a mild fungal infection was left to progress.<\/p>\n
\u2018If you are diabetic and you have athlete\u2019s foot, it is really important to see a medical professional.\u2019<\/p>\n
Why home remedies often fail to work<\/h2>\n
With many patients reluctant to seek medical help for what appears to be a minor condition, plenty turn to home remedies in the hope of a quick fix.<\/p>\n
Online forums are awash with suggestions \u2013 from tea tree oil to apple cider vinegar \u2013 but there is little robust evidence to show they work.<\/p>\n
\u2018Home remedies can be dangerous. They are not evidence-based and they often cause further irritation,\u2019 says Dr Punjabi.<\/p>\n
Instead, experts say proper use of antifungal creams remains the most effective treatment for most cases.<\/p>\n
Athlete\u2019s foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but there are over-the-counter treatments at chemists, and they usually take a few weeks to work.<\/p>\n
It is best to treat it as soon as symptoms appear. Treatment depends on the type of athlete\u2019s foot a person has. Over-the-counter remedies are usually a good starting point, while a GP or podiatrist can advise on the most appropriate next steps.<\/p>\n
The treatment recommended by the NHS is terbinafine \u2013 the active ingredient found in Lamisil Once and other high-street products.<\/p>\n
However, Dr Punjabi warns: \u2018It is really common for patients not to use the creams properly. They forget to apply them, or as soon as they see progress they stop. This is one of the reasons the infection is not fully cleared.<\/p>\n
\n\n ![\"Treatment](\"https:\/\/i.dailymail.co.uk\/1s\/2026\/04\/18\/18\/107991457-15745105-image-m-99_1776535039220.jpg\")
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTreatment depends on the type of athlete\u2019s foot a person has \u2013 but over-the-counter remedies are usually a good starting point<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2018I advise patients to continue using the creams for a week after it appears to have gone.\u2019<\/p>\n
In hard-to-treat cases she often has to prescribe oral medication instead.<\/p>\n
But experts say the number of difficult cases is rising, and there are calls for the NHS to implement new guidance.<\/p>\n
Professor Armstrong-James and others say that under proposed recommendations, GPs would carry out skin-scrape biopsies on patients suspected of having a drug-resistant fungal infection. A small sample of skin is taken from the infected area, which is sent to a laboratory for testing.<\/p>\n
That would allow specialists to determine whether the infection is resistant to common treatments such as terbinafine, or whether it may respond to another antifungal instead. The GP could then prescribe the right medication from the outset.<\/p>\n
Experts argue that by ensuring fungal infections are treated with the correct drugs the NHS could drastically reduce the number of drug-resistant fungal skin infections in Britain.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s time for the NHS to take fungal skin infections more seriously,\u2019 says Professor Armstrong-James.<\/p>\n
\u2018We need to be better at spotting these drug-resistant infections if we want to stop them spreading. GPs don\u2019t routinely do skin scrapings, and it\u2019s important these are done more often if a resistant infection is suspected. If we can get better at spotting drug-resistant fungal infections, we will be able to effectively treat more patients.\u2019<\/p>\n
\nWHY YOU GET IT ON ONLY ONE OF YOUR FEET<\/h3>\n\nThere’s a widely held belief that athlete\u2019s foot can affect only one foot at a time \u2013 but it\u2019s not quite true.<\/p>\n
Experts say that while it is medically possible for both feet to develop the fungal infection at the same time, it is more likely to just infect one.<\/p>\n
One reason for this is that a small cut, blister or crack between the toes on one foot may make it more susceptible to infection than the other. Moreover, research shows that patients tend to put more pressure on one foot. This raises the risk of calluses on that foot, which in turn can lead to athlete\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n
Likewise, experts say that the foot that bears more weight also tends to be sweatier \u2013 creating the ideal environment for the fungus to prosper.<\/p>\n
Another reason why experts believe that it is more common is because shoes often fit tighter on one foot, which creates further friction and creates an environment where the fungus can form.<\/p>\n
However, evidence shows that athlete\u2019s foot can infect both feet at once. In 1993, a study of 400 marathon runners found that a third had the fungus on both feet.<\/p>\n
Experts also warn that the infection can also spread to the other foot, or elsewhere on the body, without immediate treatment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It often begins with something so minor you barely register it \u2013 a faint itch between the toes\u2026 a patch of skin that looks a little dry. Easy to ignore. Easier still to put down to nothing more than tired feet after a long day. But experts warn that these seemingly harmless signs can be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[520],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8008","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hot"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
The soles of the foot contain 600 sweat glands per square centimetre of skin, more than any other region of the body.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2018When people come into my clinic, they often know that something is wrong, but they are too embarrassed to talk about it,\u2019 says Dr Sabika Karim, a GP and skin specialist at Skin Medical in Northwood, north-west London.<\/p>\n
\u2018They often come in for something else and I spot it, and then they tell me they have spent months using antifungal creams and it either will not budge or keeps coming back. What they often do not realise is that treatment without changing habits means it will not truly go away.\u2019<\/p>\n
Dermatophytes are usually passed on via skin-to-skin contact. The fungal spores can live on the skin and under fingernails for some time without triggering a rash, and they thrive in places such as wet towels, shared bathroom floors and changing rooms.<\/p>\n
\u2018Simple changes like wearing flip-flops in gym showers, not sharing towels and keeping feet dry can really reduce the risk,\u2019 says Dr Karim.<\/p>\n
Experts also warn that athlete\u2019s foot can be passed on directly from person to person, while those who sweat more are often more prone to infection. Once your feet have been contaminated, the warm, dark and sweaty environment inside shoes or trainers provides the perfect breeding ground for the fungus.<\/p>\n
\u2018For athlete\u2019s foot to develop, it needs the right combination of exposure to fungal spores and opportunity,\u2019 says Dr Karim. \u2018That might mean sweatier skin, skin in poor condition or someone with a weakened immune system.\u2019<\/p>\n
Why both your shoes and socks matter<\/h2>\n
Fungus thrives in places that are warm, dark and damp \u2013 which is why footwear is crucial.<\/p>\n
Inside a shoe, temperatures can reach around 35C. Add sweat and darkness, and you have created ideal conditions for fungus to grow and spread.<\/p>\n
A 2019 study by Japanese researchers analysing data from 420 people found that shoe type was a key factor in the risk of developing tinea pedis.<\/p>\n
They found men were more likely to wear shoes that raised the temperature of their feet and were therefore more likely to develop athlete\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n
Cloth shoes, as well as closed leather shoes, were found to have the highest humidity levels, putting wearers at greater risk.<\/p>\n
\u2018It is really important to wear breathable footwear,\u2019 says Dr Karim. \u2018While that is not always possible, it is important to rotate the shoes you wear. People often do not spend enough time barefoot, letting their feet breathe, so when at home try to spend more time without shoes and socks on.\u2019<\/p>\n
Research also suggests that socks can play an important role. A study in 2000 by Japanese researchers discovered that wool varieties were best at preventing infection because they reduced the chances of harmful spores remaining in prolonged contact with the wearer\u2019s skin.<\/p>\n
Wool is also more breathable than synthetic fibres such as nylon, which are commonly found in socks and tights.<\/p>\n
By contrast, one of the worst habits is wearing shoes or trainers without socks, which allows sweat to build up directly on the skin and creates the warm, damp conditions in which fungus thrives.<\/p>\n
Experts say that, wherever possible, feet should be kept cool and dry, with socks acting as a barrier to absorb moisture and reduce prolonged contact with spores.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nDr Sabika Karim says it is\u00a0important ‘to wear breathable footwear and ‘rotate the shoes you wear’ to prevent infection<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nDr Sangeeta Punjabi warns of complications from athlete’s foot, as the ‘infection breaks down the skin between the toes, creating an entry point for bacteria’<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2018What matters most is keeping the feet dry \u2013 so changing socks regularly, not just daily but also after exercise,\u2019 says Dr Karim.<\/p>\n
\u2018And where possible avoid synthetic fabrics. I often see women who wear tights made from these materials developing athlete\u2019s foot.\u2019<\/p>\n
To prevent reinfection, experts recommend drying thoroughly between the toes, as this is where fungus often first takes hold, and using antifungal powders inside shoes.<\/p>\n
Not just a problem for athletes<\/h2>\n
Despite the name, it is not just athletes who are at risk.<\/p>\n
A 2025 study published in the Qatar Medical Journal found that people aged over 70 were 25 times more likely to be diagnosed with athlete\u2019s foot than those under 30, while obese people were at 15 times higher risk.<\/p>\n
Dr Karim says: \u2018I often see older people who are otherwise very health-conscious but have neglected their feet.\u2019<\/p>\n
Research also shows that diabetics are seven times more likely to develop athlete\u2019s foot \u2013 and they are at far greater risk of complications.<\/p>\n
This is partly because diabetes can damage blood vessels and reduce circulation to the feet, slowing the body\u2019s ability to heal. It can also affect the nerves, meaning small cuts, cracks or infections may go unnoticed and untreated.<\/p>\n
\u2018For people with diabetes, athlete\u2019s foot is not only more common but can also wreak havoc,\u2019 says Dr Sangeeta Punjabi, consultant dermatologist at Syon Clinic in west London, part of Circle Health Group.<\/p>\n
IT’S A FACT<\/h3>\n\nWithin just two weeks of wear, a new shoe can accumulate around 440,000 units of bacteria.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2018The infection breaks down the skin between the toes, creating an entry point for bacteria. That can lead to cellulitis \u2013 a deeper skin infection that can spread quickly if not treated. I have seen this land people in emergency departments, because a mild fungal infection was left to progress.<\/p>\n
\u2018If you are diabetic and you have athlete\u2019s foot, it is really important to see a medical professional.\u2019<\/p>\n
Why home remedies often fail to work<\/h2>\n
With many patients reluctant to seek medical help for what appears to be a minor condition, plenty turn to home remedies in the hope of a quick fix.<\/p>\n
Online forums are awash with suggestions \u2013 from tea tree oil to apple cider vinegar \u2013 but there is little robust evidence to show they work.<\/p>\n
\u2018Home remedies can be dangerous. They are not evidence-based and they often cause further irritation,\u2019 says Dr Punjabi.<\/p>\n
Instead, experts say proper use of antifungal creams remains the most effective treatment for most cases.<\/p>\n
Athlete\u2019s foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but there are over-the-counter treatments at chemists, and they usually take a few weeks to work.<\/p>\n
It is best to treat it as soon as symptoms appear. Treatment depends on the type of athlete\u2019s foot a person has. Over-the-counter remedies are usually a good starting point, while a GP or podiatrist can advise on the most appropriate next steps.<\/p>\n
The treatment recommended by the NHS is terbinafine \u2013 the active ingredient found in Lamisil Once and other high-street products.<\/p>\n
However, Dr Punjabi warns: \u2018It is really common for patients not to use the creams properly. They forget to apply them, or as soon as they see progress they stop. This is one of the reasons the infection is not fully cleared.<\/p>\n
\n\n <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTreatment depends on the type of athlete\u2019s foot a person has \u2013 but over-the-counter remedies are usually a good starting point<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2018I advise patients to continue using the creams for a week after it appears to have gone.\u2019<\/p>\n
In hard-to-treat cases she often has to prescribe oral medication instead.<\/p>\n
But experts say the number of difficult cases is rising, and there are calls for the NHS to implement new guidance.<\/p>\n
Professor Armstrong-James and others say that under proposed recommendations, GPs would carry out skin-scrape biopsies on patients suspected of having a drug-resistant fungal infection. A small sample of skin is taken from the infected area, which is sent to a laboratory for testing.<\/p>\n
That would allow specialists to determine whether the infection is resistant to common treatments such as terbinafine, or whether it may respond to another antifungal instead. The GP could then prescribe the right medication from the outset.<\/p>\n
Experts argue that by ensuring fungal infections are treated with the correct drugs the NHS could drastically reduce the number of drug-resistant fungal skin infections in Britain.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s time for the NHS to take fungal skin infections more seriously,\u2019 says Professor Armstrong-James.<\/p>\n
\u2018We need to be better at spotting these drug-resistant infections if we want to stop them spreading. GPs don\u2019t routinely do skin scrapings, and it\u2019s important these are done more often if a resistant infection is suspected. If we can get better at spotting drug-resistant fungal infections, we will be able to effectively treat more patients.\u2019<\/p>\n
\nWHY YOU GET IT ON ONLY ONE OF YOUR FEET<\/h3>\n\nThere’s a widely held belief that athlete\u2019s foot can affect only one foot at a time \u2013 but it\u2019s not quite true.<\/p>\n
Experts say that while it is medically possible for both feet to develop the fungal infection at the same time, it is more likely to just infect one.<\/p>\n
One reason for this is that a small cut, blister or crack between the toes on one foot may make it more susceptible to infection than the other. Moreover, research shows that patients tend to put more pressure on one foot. This raises the risk of calluses on that foot, which in turn can lead to athlete\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n
Likewise, experts say that the foot that bears more weight also tends to be sweatier \u2013 creating the ideal environment for the fungus to prosper.<\/p>\n
Another reason why experts believe that it is more common is because shoes often fit tighter on one foot, which creates further friction and creates an environment where the fungus can form.<\/p>\n
However, evidence shows that athlete\u2019s foot can infect both feet at once. In 1993, a study of 400 marathon runners found that a third had the fungus on both feet.<\/p>\n
Experts also warn that the infection can also spread to the other foot, or elsewhere on the body, without immediate treatment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It often begins with something so minor you barely register it \u2013 a faint itch between the toes\u2026 a patch of skin that looks a little dry. Easy to ignore. Easier still to put down to nothing more than tired feet after a long day. But experts warn that these seemingly harmless signs can be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[520],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8008","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hot"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
Within just two weeks of wear, a new shoe can accumulate around 440,000 units of bacteria.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
\u2018The infection breaks down the skin between the toes, creating an entry point for bacteria. That can lead to cellulitis \u2013 a deeper skin infection that can spread quickly if not treated. I have seen this land people in emergency departments, because a mild fungal infection was left to progress.<\/p>\n
\u2018If you are diabetic and you have athlete\u2019s foot, it is really important to see a medical professional.\u2019<\/p>\n
Why home remedies often fail to work<\/h2>\n
With many patients reluctant to seek medical help for what appears to be a minor condition, plenty turn to home remedies in the hope of a quick fix.<\/p>\n
Online forums are awash with suggestions \u2013 from tea tree oil to apple cider vinegar \u2013 but there is little robust evidence to show they work.<\/p>\n
\u2018Home remedies can be dangerous. They are not evidence-based and they often cause further irritation,\u2019 says Dr Punjabi.<\/p>\n
Instead, experts say proper use of antifungal creams remains the most effective treatment for most cases.<\/p>\n
Athlete\u2019s foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but there are over-the-counter treatments at chemists, and they usually take a few weeks to work.<\/p>\n
It is best to treat it as soon as symptoms appear. Treatment depends on the type of athlete\u2019s foot a person has. Over-the-counter remedies are usually a good starting point, while a GP or podiatrist can advise on the most appropriate next steps.<\/p>\n
The treatment recommended by the NHS is terbinafine \u2013 the active ingredient found in Lamisil Once and other high-street products.<\/p>\n
However, Dr Punjabi warns: \u2018It is really common for patients not to use the creams properly. They forget to apply them, or as soon as they see progress they stop. This is one of the reasons the infection is not fully cleared.<\/p>\n
<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nTreatment depends on the type of athlete\u2019s foot a person has \u2013 but over-the-counter remedies are usually a good starting point<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u2018I advise patients to continue using the creams for a week after it appears to have gone.\u2019<\/p>\n
In hard-to-treat cases she often has to prescribe oral medication instead.<\/p>\n
But experts say the number of difficult cases is rising, and there are calls for the NHS to implement new guidance.<\/p>\n
Professor Armstrong-James and others say that under proposed recommendations, GPs would carry out skin-scrape biopsies on patients suspected of having a drug-resistant fungal infection. A small sample of skin is taken from the infected area, which is sent to a laboratory for testing.<\/p>\n
That would allow specialists to determine whether the infection is resistant to common treatments such as terbinafine, or whether it may respond to another antifungal instead. The GP could then prescribe the right medication from the outset.<\/p>\n
Experts argue that by ensuring fungal infections are treated with the correct drugs the NHS could drastically reduce the number of drug-resistant fungal skin infections in Britain.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s time for the NHS to take fungal skin infections more seriously,\u2019 says Professor Armstrong-James.<\/p>\n
\u2018We need to be better at spotting these drug-resistant infections if we want to stop them spreading. GPs don\u2019t routinely do skin scrapings, and it\u2019s important these are done more often if a resistant infection is suspected. If we can get better at spotting drug-resistant fungal infections, we will be able to effectively treat more patients.\u2019<\/p>\n
WHY YOU GET IT ON ONLY ONE OF YOUR FEET<\/h3>\n\nThere’s a widely held belief that athlete\u2019s foot can affect only one foot at a time \u2013 but it\u2019s not quite true.<\/p>\n
Experts say that while it is medically possible for both feet to develop the fungal infection at the same time, it is more likely to just infect one.<\/p>\n
One reason for this is that a small cut, blister or crack between the toes on one foot may make it more susceptible to infection than the other. Moreover, research shows that patients tend to put more pressure on one foot. This raises the risk of calluses on that foot, which in turn can lead to athlete\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n
Likewise, experts say that the foot that bears more weight also tends to be sweatier \u2013 creating the ideal environment for the fungus to prosper.<\/p>\n
Another reason why experts believe that it is more common is because shoes often fit tighter on one foot, which creates further friction and creates an environment where the fungus can form.<\/p>\n
However, evidence shows that athlete\u2019s foot can infect both feet at once. In 1993, a study of 400 marathon runners found that a third had the fungus on both feet.<\/p>\n
Experts also warn that the infection can also spread to the other foot, or elsewhere on the body, without immediate treatment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It often begins with something so minor you barely register it \u2013 a faint itch between the toes\u2026 a patch of skin that looks a little dry. Easy to ignore. Easier still to put down to nothing more than tired feet after a long day. But experts warn that these seemingly harmless signs can be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[520],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8008","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hot"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
There’s a widely held belief that athlete\u2019s foot can affect only one foot at a time \u2013 but it\u2019s not quite true.<\/p>\n
Experts say that while it is medically possible for both feet to develop the fungal infection at the same time, it is more likely to just infect one.<\/p>\n
One reason for this is that a small cut, blister or crack between the toes on one foot may make it more susceptible to infection than the other. Moreover, research shows that patients tend to put more pressure on one foot. This raises the risk of calluses on that foot, which in turn can lead to athlete\u2019s foot.<\/p>\n
Likewise, experts say that the foot that bears more weight also tends to be sweatier \u2013 creating the ideal environment for the fungus to prosper.<\/p>\n
Another reason why experts believe that it is more common is because shoes often fit tighter on one foot, which creates further friction and creates an environment where the fungus can form.<\/p>\n
However, evidence shows that athlete\u2019s foot can infect both feet at once. In 1993, a study of 400 marathon runners found that a third had the fungus on both feet.<\/p>\n
Experts also warn that the infection can also spread to the other foot, or elsewhere on the body, without immediate treatment.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
It often begins with something so minor you barely register it \u2013 a faint itch between the toes\u2026 a patch of skin that looks a little dry. Easy to ignore. Easier still to put down to nothing more than tired feet after a long day. But experts warn that these seemingly harmless signs can be<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8009,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[520],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-8008","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-hot"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8008"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8008\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8008"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.healthoptibody.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}