How Long Does Athlete's Foot Last

Athlete's foot – also known as tinea pedis – is a contagious fungal skin infection affecting the feet. The infection will gradually spread to the toenails and hands if left untreated. The name indicates its cause – occurring in athletes due to the moist, sweaty environment in their socks and trainers. Today, we learn how long does athlete’s foot last. 

For many people, athlete's foot is an irritating and frustrating condition that needs urgent attention. That's particularly true for people with diabetes or a weakened immune system. Even in most people, athlete's foot is difficult to cure – like many fungal infections.

Small wonder that so many patients ask us, "how long does athlete's foot last." We're covering everything you need to know about athlete's foot, from the key symptoms to how long does athlete’s foot last, below. 

What causes athlete's foot?

 Athlete's foot is caused by tinea fungus. The fungus thrives in a warm, moist environment, particularly those found in footwear and socks. Given this, it's commonly caught in showers, locker room floors, and around swimming pools.

Walking around barefoot or sharing socks, shoes, or towels with an infected person can introduce the fungus. However, it will need a wet environment – like sweat or wet feet – to begin to grow. 

Risk factors that make you more vulnerable to infection include:

• Skin allergies

• Eczema

• Excessive sweating

• Tight socks

• Low circulation in the leg, i.e., due to diabetes or narrow blood vessels

• Swimming or using public showers

• Genetics

• Weak immune system

Identifying the signs and symptoms of athlete's foot

Athlete's foot primarily causes a blistering, cracked rash on the soles and edges of your feet; between the toes is often the moistest place for the fungus to grow. You may notice:

• Itching, stinging and burning between your toes or your soles

• Cracking and peeling skin on your feet

• Blisters on your feet

• Raw skin on your feet

• Dry skin on your feet or between your toes

• Discolored, thick, crumbly toenails

• Loose toenails (that pull away from the nail bed)

How long does athlete's foot last

Without treatment, athlete's foot can persist for years. While it's not inevitable that it will spread, it is likely if left. You will notice the same blistering on the feet or hands. This gives a general idea of the question of how long does athlete’s foot last.

Worse, because the infection cracks your feet, it creates an opening for bacteria. Secondary bacterial infection will lead to a swollen, painful, and hot foot. Pus, drainage, and fever are commonly associated signs. Bacterial infection can also cause your lymph nodes to become raised – either in the foot, knee, or groin.

Some infections can stubbornly persist even with antifungal treatment, whereas others clear up quickly. It is, therefore, important to seek treatment early. Moreover, if you are predisposed to athlete's foot, long-term prophylactic treatment may be necessary to prevent it from recurring. 

Treating athlete's foot

Whether your athlete's foot is mild or severe, there are two treatment options: over-the-counter (OTC) medications or prescription medications. 

OTC medications

For most people, your first course of treatment will involve topical OTC antifungal medication, including:

• Miconazole (Desenex)

• Terbinafine (Lamisil AT)

• Clotrimazole (Lotrimin AF)

• Butenafine (Lotrimin Ultra)

• Tolnaftate (Tinactin)

You can buy these medications from your local drug store or even online at Amazon. Many OTC medications can take up to a year to fully eradicate the fungal infection. It's important to persevere with the treatment. 

Prescription medications

If the athlete's foot persists despite treatment, you should see a doctor or podiatrist. They'll prescribe a strong topical or oral medication, including:

• Clotrimazole or miconazole (topical, prescription-strength)

• Oral itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), or prescription-strength terbinafine (Lamisil)

• Topical steroid medications to relieve inflammation

• Oral antibiotics if a bacterial infection is present

Other treatments

In addition to medical treatment, you can also soak your feet in salt water or diluted vinegar to dry up the blisters. Tea tree oil is also a somewhat effective therapy. Speak to a podiatrist about using a tea tree oil solution on your feet – please be aware that it can cause contact dermatitis in some people.

Final thoughts

Given athlete's foot's longevity and stubbornness, preventing reinfection is essential. You should wash your feet regularly with soap and water; wash towels, socks, and bedding at a high temperature; and allow your feet to dry after physical exercise. Also, in public settings, like locker rooms or swimming pools, try to wear sandals to avoid contact with any tinea present in the environment. That's especially true if you are infected – as you do not want to infect anybody else. 

You can also purchase breathable fiber socks that wick moisture away from your skin. These fabrics prevent the conditions that allow tinea to begin to grow.

If you have severe athlete's foot, you should seek help from a professional. Schedule an appointment with our podiatrists for an examination and course of treatment. We'll continue to monitor your situation until your athlete's foot-free. 

This is an idea of the answer to the question of how long does athlete’s foot last.