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Need to know more about athlete’s foot? We’ve got you covered.

Athlete’s foot (also called tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection that affects the feet. It can affect anyone but is particularly common among athletes. It spreads easily from person to person and can live on floors, clothing and towels.

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a type of ringworm, a common and contagious fungal infection. Warm and humid conditions, like damp socks, help spread the infection, creating an itchy and scaly rash. Touching the rash then touching another part of the body can also spread it.

What symptoms can occur with athlete’s foot?

The most common sign of athlete’s foot is an itchy red rash on the feet. The rash occurs most often between the toes but can affect any part of the foot. Other symptoms of athlete’s foot* include the following:

  • Blisters
  • Burning sensation
  • Cracked skin
  • Inflamed skin
  • Itchiness
  • Peeling
  • Scaly skin
  • Stinging sensation

Getting help

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss a person’s symptoms and health history. They can examine the rash and create a treatment plan. They can also recommend and prescribe medications, if necessary.

  1. You may have to answer a few questions to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

    If you made your appointment online:
    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:
    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth, email address and phone number to join the visit.

  3. When it’s time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

Frequently asked questions

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus that thrives in damp areas like locker rooms, showers and swimming pools. It spreads easily from person to person and from objects to a person. Examples of items that may have the athlete’s foot fungus on them include the following:

  • Bedding
  • Nail clippers
  • Shoes
  • Shower floors
  • Socks
  • Towels

Athlete’s foot can be treated with over-the-counter and prescription medications, usually in the form of creams, gels and sprays.*

Athlete’s foot can be spread easily. Always wear sandals or shoes at the gym, pool or other public areas. Other ways to help prevent athlete’s foot:*

  • Change shoes and socks regularly
  • Keep feet dry
  • Switch shoes regularly to allow them to dry
  • Wash and dry feet daily
  • Wear socks that dry quickly

A MinuteClinic provider can discuss a person’s symptoms and health history. They can examine the rash and create a treatment plan. They can also recommend and prescribe medications, if necessary.

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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

REFERENCES USED AS SOURCES FOR THIS PAGE:

  • *FOR OTHER SYMPTOMS OF ATHLETE’S FOOT CLAIM: Mayo Clinic. Athlete’s foot. Updated September 28, 2023.

  • *FOR CREAMS, GELS AND SPRAYS CLAIM: Nigam PK, Syed HA, Saleh D. Tinea Pedis. StatPearls. Published October 29, 2023.

  • *FOR HELP PREVENT ATHLETE’S FOOT CLAIM: American Academy of Dermatology Association. How to prevent athlete’s foot. Accessed September 16, 2025.