It’s not just for athletes! That’s right. Anyone can get it, regardless of whether or not you’re a professional athlete. So, if you’re feeling itchy, burning, or stinging between your toes, don’t be alarmed. You may just have an athlete’s foot. What is athlete’s foot? It is a common fungal infection of the foot. It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which can live on the skin, hair, and nails. Athlete’s foot is most common in adults, but it can also occur in children. Symptoms The following are the most prevalent symptoms: How is athlete’s foot spread? It can be spread through direct contact with an infected person or animal, or through contact with contaminated objects, such as shoes, socks, towels, and floors. Athlete’s foot is more likely to spread in warm, moist environments, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and public showers. Prevention tips Find out more prevention tips. How to treat athlete’s foot Over-the-counter antifungal lotions or powders can typically be used to treat mild cases. If your case is severe or does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, the podiatrist may prescribe oral antifungal medication. Tips for managing In addition to using antifungal medication, there are a number of things you can do to manage athlete’s foot and prevent it from coming back: Discover more foot care tips. It is important to see a doctor if you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, or if your case is severe or does not respond to over-the-counter treatments. If you have athlete’s foot, book an appointment today.