Athlete's foot is a fungal skin infection that thrives in warm, damp environments — public showers, gym floors, pool decks, and the inside of sweaty shoes. It causes itching, redness, and peeling, most often between the toes, and it spreads easily to toenails or other parts of the body if left untreated. The good news is that it's largely preventable with a handful of consistent daily habits.
We see athlete's foot year-round, not just during summer sports season — heated homes, insulated boots, and indoor gyms keep feet warm and enclosed all winter too. Below, our podiatrists break down what causes it and the specific habits that keep it from coming back.
What causes athlete's foot?
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist conditions. It spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or shared items, which is why public showers, locker rooms, gym floors, and pool areas are common exposure points. Your risk goes up with:
- Sweaty feet that don't get a chance to dry out
- Shoes and socks that don't allow air circulation
- Sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others
- Skin conditions that affect moisture balance or create small cracks in the skin
- Walking barefoot in shared showers, locker rooms, or pool decks
What are the symptoms you shouldn't ignore?
Early warning signs include itching, redness, and peeling skin, most commonly between the fourth and fifth toes. Some people also notice a persistent odor or mild burning. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the toenails — where it becomes harder to clear — or to other areas of the body such as the hands or groin.
Why your daily routine matters most
Small habits are your strongest defense against athlete's foot. A short daily routine goes a long way:
- Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes — fungus needs moisture to survive
- Change socks whenever they get damp, including mid-day during active periods
- Use moisture-wicking athletic socks instead of cotton, which holds onto sweat
- Apply foot powder or antifungal spray if you're prone to sweaty feet
Why footwear choices make a big difference
Shoes that don't breathe create the exact damp, warm environment fungus needs. Choose footwear with mesh panels or other ventilation, and avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row — rotating shoes gives each pair a full day to dry out completely before you wear it again. If you play sports or work out regularly, keep a dedicated pair of athletic shoes separate from your everyday shoes.
How to avoid damp, shared environments
Public showers, gym floors, and pool decks are classic exposure points because the fungus can survive on damp surfaces. Wear shower sandals or flip-flops in any shared facility — locker rooms, community pools, dorm bathrooms — and avoid walking barefoot on wet public floors. At home, keep bathroom mats and towels clean and fully dried between uses, and don't share towels or socks with family members.
Can antifungal products help?
Over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, and powders can help prevent athlete's foot in people who are prone to it, especially during high-risk periods like sports season or humid summer months. If you already notice early symptoms — itching, redness, peeling — an over-the-counter antifungal treatment used consistently can often clear a mild case. Persistent or recurring infections that don't respond to over-the-counter care are a sign to see a podiatrist, since they may point to a more resistant fungal strain or an underlying issue.
Keeping your feet dry during exercise
Exercise is one of the highest-risk times for athlete's foot because feet sweat heavily inside closed shoes. Bring a second pair of socks to change into after a workout, air out your shoes immediately afterward rather than leaving them in a closed bag, and shower and dry your feet thoroughly as soon as you can.
When to see a podiatrist
See a podiatrist if your symptoms don't improve with consistent over-the-counter treatment, if the infection keeps coming back, or if it spreads to your toenails or other areas of your body. People with diabetes or circulation problems should have any foot skin changes evaluated promptly, since minor infections can become more serious complications. When you're ready, you can request an appointment at either of our Northern Utah offices.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.