Reviewed by The Wellness Team. Last reviewed October 2026.
Athlete's foot is one of the most common skin infections in the UK, and one of the most stubborn if it is treated half-heartedly. The good news is that most cases clear completely with the right cream used for the right length of time. This guide explains what works, why it keeps coming back for some people, and when it is worth seeing a GP.
What athlete's foot actually is
Athlete's foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection of the skin of the feet. The fungus thrives in warm, damp skin, especially between the toes, which is why the condition is so common in people who wear trainers all day, use communal showers, or swim regularly.
The typical signs are itching, peeling or flaking skin between the toes, redness, and small cracks that can sting. Some people get a soggy white appearance between the toes, small blisters on the sole, or a dry scaling pattern across the whole sole that looks like ordinary dry skin. Left alone, the infection can spread to the toenails, where it becomes much harder to treat.
Treatment that actually works
For most people, an antifungal cream or spray from a pharmacy is enough. Terbinafine cream, used once or twice a day for one to two weeks, is the most effective over the counter option and clears the majority of cases. Clotrimazole and miconazole creams also work well, but usually need to be used for up to four weeks.
Two things decide whether treatment succeeds. First, apply the cream to the affected skin and a couple of centimetres beyond it, not just to the worst patch. Second, keep going for at least a week after the skin looks completely normal. The fungus is still present after the symptoms settle, and stopping early is the single most common reason athlete's foot comes back.
Wash the feet daily, dry carefully between the toes, and put the cream on clean, dry skin.
When a cream is not enough
It is worth seeing a GP if the skin is cracked, bleeding or increasingly painful, if the redness is spreading up the foot, if the nails are involved, or if several weeks of correct treatment have not cleared it. Antifungal tablets, usually terbinafine, are prescription-only and clear stubborn infections from the inside. A GP can prescribe them where clinically appropriate, after checking your medical history and any other medicines you take.
You should also seek advice promptly if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, because foot infections carry more risk and deserve earlier treatment.
How to stop it coming back
The fungus survives in shoes, towels and bathroom floors, so treatment works best alongside a few habits. Dry between the toes after every wash. Change socks daily and choose breathable shoes, rotating pairs so each dries out fully. Wear flip flops in communal showers, changing rooms and around pools. Do not share towels. An antifungal powder or spray inside shoes helps clear the reservoir that reinfects the skin.
Questions people ask
Is athlete's foot contagious?
Yes. It spreads through shed skin flakes, so it passes easily in changing rooms, showers and shared towels, and between members of the same household. Treating it promptly and keeping feet covered in shared spaces protects everyone else.
Can athlete's foot spread to my toenails?
Yes, and this matters. Fungal nail infection is far slower to clear than a skin infection and usually needs prescription treatment. Treating athlete's foot early is the best way to protect the nails.
Do I need a prescription for athlete's foot?
Usually not. Most cases clear with a pharmacy antifungal used correctly. Prescription tablets are reserved for stubborn, widespread or nail infections.
How long does athlete's foot take to clear?
Skin often looks and feels better within a few days, but the fungus outlives the symptoms. Complete the full course on the packet, then continue for one more week, to make sure it is genuinely gone.
If your athlete's foot keeps returning, is spreading to the nails, or simply will not settle, a GP can confirm the diagnosis and arrange stronger treatment where clinically appropriate. Message us on WhatsApp, call 020 3951 3429, or email team@thewellnesslondon.com. A telephone appointment is £59, a video consultation is £150, and an in-person visit at our London clinic is £220. Same-day appointments are often available.