ATHLETE'S FOOT
Itchy, burning or peeling skin between your toes or on the soles?
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal skin infection particularly common in Ireland's damp climate. Our podiatrists can confirm the infection and guide you to effective, lasting clearance
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Does any of this sound familiar?
Athlete's foot can present between the toes or across the soles and sides of the feet:
- Intense itching, burning, or stinging between the toes
- White, soggy (macerated) skin that peels or cracks between toes
- Dry, flaky, or scaling skin spreading across the sole (moccasin type)
- Tiny, itchy blisters along the instep or sides of the foot
- Unpleasant foot odour that persists despite daily washing
- Symptoms that improve with cream but return shortly after stopping
Athlete's foot is easily spread to toenails if left unmanaged.
A clinical assessment confirms whether it is fungal or another skin condition.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
What causes athlete's foot?
Dermatophyte fungi grow easily in warm, moist, dark environments. Common factors include:
Warm, damp footwear
Enclosed footwear in our sub-tropical climate traps perspiration, encouraging fungal growth.
Communal surfaces
Walking barefoot on gym floors, pool surrounds, hotel carpets, or shared showers.
Footwear breathability
Synthetic socks and non-breathable shoes that prevent moisture from evaporating.
Skin barrier weakness
Micro-cracks in dry skin or prolonged water immersion weaken the skin's defence.
WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT
When should you consider getting athlete's foot checked?
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- Pharmacy creams have failed to clear the skin completely
- The skin has cracked, is weeping, or shows signs of bacterial infection
- You have diabetes or reduced circulation in your feet
- The infection appears to be spreading to your toenails
- You are unsure whether the scaling is fungal, eczema, or dry skin
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What happens when you come to see us?
We differentiate fungal infection from other skin conditions and create a targeted plan
We examine
Your podiatrist checks the skin between every toe and across both soles.
We differentiate
We rule out conditions that mimic fungal skin infections, such as dermatitis or psoriasis.
We treat
Dead, macerated skin is gently debrided to allow medicated topicals to work directly.
We guide
You receive guidance on appropriate antifungals, sock choices, and footwear hygiene.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on what we find
Effective clearance targets both the active fungus and the environment causing it:
Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Your podiatrist will discuss suitable options after assessment.
- Clinical skin debridement
- Targeted topical antifungal recommendations
- Footwear sanitisation & rotation advice
- Moisture-wicking sock recommendations
- Routine podiatry care where nails are involved
We're here for you
Tired of Living With Pain? We Can Help
STEP 1 OF 2
Request a callback
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FAQ
Athlete's foot FAQs
READY TO GET STARTED?
Ready to get your athlete's foot assessed?
Book online at a time that suits you, or request a callback if you're unsure which appointment is right for you.