Medical Encyclopaedia › Athlete’s foot (short definition)
In brief: Athlete’s foot is a very common fungal infection of the skin on the feet, usually between the toes. It causes itching, redness and scaling and is contagious.
Symptoms
Typical signs are itchy, red and scaly patches of skin in the spaces between the toes, often with softened, whitish or cracked skin. Athlete’s foot can also spread to the sole and edge of the foot or form blisters.
Transmission
The fungi are transmitted via skin flakes, especially when walking barefoot in swimming pools, saunas, hotel rooms and changing rooms. Damp, warm feet in tight shoes provide ideal conditions. People with diabetes or circulatory disorders are particularly susceptible.
Treatment
Over-the-counter creams, gels or sprays with active substances such as clotrimazole, bifonazole or terbinafine help in most cases. It is important to continue the application after the symptoms have subsided for as long as stated in the package leaflet, so that the infection does not return. In the case of extensive infection, involvement of the nails, diabetes, or if there is no improvement after two weeks, a doctor should be consulted.
Prevention
Pool shoes in communal areas, drying the spaces between the toes thoroughly, breathable shoes and socks, and regularly washing socks and towels at a high temperature reduce the risk.
Related terms in the encyclopaedia
Nail fungus, Antifungal, Clotrimazole, Terbinafine, Itching
Sources
- IQWiG: gesundheitsinformation.de – Gesundheitsinformationen des Instituts für Qualität und Wirtschaftlichkeit im Gesundheitswesen
- Bundesministerium für Gesundheit: gesund.bund.de – Nationales Gesundheitsportal
Note: This article is for general information and does not replace advice, diagnosis or treatment from a doctor or pharmacist. Last updated: October 2026.