Athlete's foot fungal skin infection treated at Foot Centers of Maryland

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) Treatment in Maryland

Athlete’s foot is a contagious fungal infection of the skin (tinea pedis). The same type of fungus can also infect the toenails (onychomycosis). Left untreated, athlete’s foot can blister and crack the skin, leaving you vulnerable to a bacterial infection. The podiatrists at Foot Centers of Maryland diagnose and treat athlete’s foot for patients in Baltimore, Glen Burnie, Timonium, and Reisterstown, MD.

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What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

The fungi that cause athlete’s foot thrive in warm, dark, damp environments. You can pick up the infection by walking barefoot in locker rooms, gyms, pool areas, and communal showers, or by sharing towels and shoes. Sweaty feet and tight, non-breathable footwear create the perfect conditions for the fungus to grow.

Symptoms of Athlete’s Foot

  • Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes or on the soles
  • Red, scaly, or peeling skin
  • Cracking and raw skin, especially between the fourth and fifth toes
  • Itchy blisters
  • Dry, flaky skin on the bottoms and sides of the feet
  • Odor, which often occurs alongside foot odor from excess sweating

Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

  • Early Stages: Redness and itching can usually be treated with prescription-strength topical creams, sprays, or liquids.
  • Severe or Recurring Infections: Oral antifungal medication may be required.
  • Secondary Infection: If cracked skin becomes infected with bacteria, antibiotics may be needed.
  • Nail Involvement: If the fungus spreads to the nails, we offer toenail fungus treatment.

Who Should See a Podiatrist?

If over-the-counter treatments have not cleared your symptoms within two weeks, the infection keeps returning, or you have diabetes or poor circulation, see a podiatrist. In patients with diabetes, cracks in the skin can lead to serious infections. Learn more about diabetic foot care.

Preventing Athlete’s Foot

  • Wear sandals in public showers, pools, and locker rooms
  • Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes
  • Wear moisture-wicking socks and change them daily
  • Rotate shoes so they can dry out and use antifungal powder
  • Do not share towels, socks, or shoes

Athlete’s Foot FAQs

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin on the feet, called tinea pedis, that causes itching, redness, peeling, cracking, and sometimes blisters.

Is athlete’s foot contagious?

Yes. It spreads through direct contact and from damp surfaces like locker room floors, showers, towels, and shoes.

Can athlete’s foot spread to my toenails?

Yes. The same fungus can infect the toenails, causing onychomycosis, which is harder to treat.

When should I see a podiatrist for athlete’s foot?

See a podiatrist if symptoms do not improve after two weeks of over-the-counter treatment, keep coming back, or if you have diabetes.

How is severe athlete’s foot treated?

Severe or recurring cases may require prescription topical medication or oral antifungal medication.

Can athlete’s foot lead to other infections?

Yes. Cracked, blistered skin can allow bacteria to enter, leading to a bacterial skin infection.

How can I prevent athlete’s foot?

Keep your feet clean and dry, wear sandals in public wet areas, change socks daily, and avoid sharing shoes and towels.

Get Relief from Itchy, Burning Feet

Clear up athlete’s foot before it spreads. Call (410) 844-4700 - Overlea Office, Mercy Office, Reisterstown Office, Glen Burnie Office, or Lutherville Office or request an appointment at our Overlea, Mercy, Glen Burnie, Lutherville, or Reisterstown office.

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