Athlete’s Foot Is Still Common in 2026: What to Know About Prevention, Treatment, and When to See a Clinician

Bottom line: Athlete’s foot is common, treatable, and usually mild—but it can linger or spread without the right care. People with diabetes, weakened immune systems, or recurring foot infections should pay closer attention and seek medical advice if symptoms don’t improve.

Athlete’s foot, known medically as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet. Despite its name, you don’t have to be an athlete to get it. According to the CDC and MedlinePlus (a service of the National Institutes of Health), it’s one of the most common fungal skin infections in the United States.

What causes athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes—fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. Locker rooms, pool decks, shared showers, and sweaty shoes provide ideal conditions.

The infection spreads through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or skin. Walking barefoot in public areas, sharing towels, or wearing damp socks for long periods increases risk.

Common symptoms to watch for

Symptoms can vary, but CDC and MedlinePlus describe several common signs:

Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes
Red, scaly, or cracked skin
Peeling or flaking, especially between the fourth and fifth toes
Blisters in some cases

The infection can spread to the soles of the feet or toenails if untreated. When toenails become involved (a condition called onychomycosis), treatment is often longer and more complicated.

Who is at higher risk?

Anyone can develop athlete’s foot, but risk is higher for:

People who wear tight, non-breathable shoes
Those whose feet sweat heavily
People who use communal showers or gyms
Individuals with diabetes
People with weakened immune systems

For people with diabetes, even minor skin infections on the feet can lead to more serious complications. The CDC and NIDDK emphasize careful daily foot checks for redness, cracks, or sores, since reduced sensation can delay noticing a problem.

How is it treated?

Most cases are treated with over-the-counter antifungal creams, sprays, or powders. Common ingredients include clotrimazole, miconazole, and terbinafine. MedlinePlus notes that treatment usually lasts one to four weeks, even if symptoms improve sooner.

If the infection does not improve, spreads, or keeps coming back, a clinician may prescribe a stronger topical medication or, in more stubborn cases, an oral antifungal drug.

Important: Finish the full course of treatment. Stopping early can allow the fungus to return.

Prevention: Simple steps that work

Public health guidance focuses on moisture control and hygiene:

Keep feet clean and dry, especially between the toes
Change socks daily (more often if sweaty)
Wear breathable shoes and rotate pairs to allow drying
Use sandals in public showers or locker rooms
Avoid sharing shoes, socks, or towels

For people prone to recurrence, antifungal powders can help reduce moisture inside shoes.

When to seek medical care

See a healthcare professional if:

The rash does not improve after two weeks of over-the-counter treatment
You have diabetes or a weakened immune system
The skin becomes very red, swollen, warm, or painful
You develop pus, fever, or signs of bacterial infection

In some cases, cracked skin from athlete’s foot can allow bacteria to enter, leading to cellulitis—a more serious infection that requires prompt treatment.

Why this still matters

Athlete’s foot may seem minor, but untreated fungal infections can spread to nails, hands, or other parts of the body. For vulnerable populations—especially older adults and people with diabetes—foot infections can escalate quickly.

Good foot care is part of whole-person health. Just as oral health connects to broader medical conditions, skin integrity—especially on the feet—plays a role in preventing complications that affect mobility, independence, and overall wellbeing.

What this means for readers

If you notice itching, scaling, or cracking between your toes, early treatment is usually effective. Keep feet dry, finish antifungal medications as directed, and seek care if symptoms persist or worsen. For people with chronic conditions like diabetes, routine foot checks are not optional—they’re preventive care.

Sources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Fungal Diseases
MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine, NIH) – Athlete’s Foot
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) – Diabetic Foot Care

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early, limited, or subject to change as new evidence emerges. For personal guidance, diagnosis, or treatment, consult a licensed clinician. For current outbreak or public health guidance, follow your local health department, the CDC, or another relevant public health authority.