Athlete’s Foot Treatment at Foot Foundation
Athlete’s foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a fungal infection that thrives in warm, moist environments such as gyms, pools, and communal showers. It commonly begins between the toes and can spread to the soles, heels, and toenails, causing itching, peeling, cracks, and discomfort.
At Foot Foundation, our podiatrists specialise in diagnosing and treating athlete’s foot with evidence-based antifungal therapies and tailored prevention strategies. From topical or oral treatments to footwear and hygiene guidance, we help patients clear infections, protect skin health, and reduce the risk of recurrence.
What is Athlete’s Foot?
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection of the feet, caused by dermatophyte fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. It often begins between the toes but can spread to the soles, heels, and toenails.
Athlete’s foot may cause itching, peeling, redness, and painful cracks, and it can easily spread to others. Left untreated, it may progress to fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) or secondary bacterial infections.
At Foot Foundation, we provide specialist diagnosis, antifungal treatment, and prevention strategies to resolve athlete’s foot and reduce recurrence
Causes & Risk Factors
Fungal exposure – communal showers, pools, gyms, or contaminated footwear
Sweaty feet – excessive moisture creating fungal growth conditions
Occlusive footwear – tight shoes and synthetic socks trapping heat and sweat
Poor foot hygiene – infrequent washing or drying between toes
Trauma or cracks in skin – allowing fungal entry
Reduced immunity or circulation – higher susceptibility in diabetics or older adults
Hot, humid environments – tropical climates and summer months increase risk
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Topical antifungal medications – creams, sprays, or powders applied directly to the skin
Oral antifungal medication – prescribed for resistant or widespread infections (via GP referral)
Footwear & sock advice – breathable shoes, moisture-wicking socks
Foot hygiene education – daily washing, drying between toes, and antifungal sprays for shoes
Prevention strategies – managing moisture, alternating footwear, and avoiding barefoot activity in public areas
Treatment of secondary infection – addressing bacterial involvement if present
Symptoms
Itchy, burning skin – especially between the toes
Redness and peeling – flaky, scaly skin on the soles and sides of the feet
Painful cracks or splits – fissures between the toes
Blisters – fluid-filled lesions in some cases
Thick, dry, or scaly skin – “moccasin-type” athlete’s foot covering the sole
Fungal nail infection – nails becoming thick, yellow, or brittle if infection spreads
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – appearance of skin and distribution of lesions
Fungal confirmation – skin scrapings for microscopy/culture if needed
Assessment of risk factors – footwear, hygiene, medical conditions
Athlete’s Foot – FAQs
It is caused by fungal infection, often from exposure in communal areas or prolonged sweaty, moist foot conditions.
Yes. It spreads through direct contact or contaminated surfaces, especially in gyms, pools, and showers.
It often appears as red, itchy, peeling skin between the toes or dry, scaly patches on the soles.
Treatment includes topical antifungal creams or sprays, combined with good hygiene and footwear strategies.
Yes. Untreated infection can spread to toenails, causing thick, brittle, and discoloured fungal nails.
Yes. Keep feet clean, dry, and protected with breathable socks and antifungal sprays in shoes.
Mild cases may resolve in 2–4 weeks with treatment, but recurrence is common without proper prevention.
Yes. Podiatrists provide diagnosis, antifungal therapy, and education to prevent reinfection.
While usually minor, untreated cases can cause secondary bacterial infection, especially in diabetics.
If athlete’s foot is persistent, spreading, painful, or affecting toenails, podiatry treatment is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist athlete’s foot care, combining antifungal treatment, footwear optimisation, and prevention strategies. Our podiatrists also manage fungal nails and skin complications, ensuring complete recovery.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert fungal skin care is available across New Zealand.
