Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!
Open

Mon – Fri: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Sun*: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (*alternating)

Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!
Book Appointment

Book an Appointment

Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

Athlete’s Foot

On This Page

Overview

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Tinea pedis, commonly known as Athlete’s foot, is a contagious fungal skin infection that affects the skin on the feet. Tinea pedis was given the name ‘athlete’s foot’ because it is commonly found on people who have sweaty feet.

However, athlete’s foot affects athletes and non-athletes alike. Dermatophyte fungi thrive in dark moist areas and feed on keratin – a primary component of the epidermis (the outer layer of human skin). This means that our feet, which spend most of the day bound up in socks and shoes, present an ideal environment for the proliferation of a fungal infection. Consequently, one in 10 people have athlete’s foot.

Athlete’s foot is by no means a life-threatening issue; however it is contagious and can spread to other parts of your body or to other people. It can also make your feet smell (which isn’t fun). If left untreated, it can cause foot pain and difficulty walking.

Symptoms

What Are The Symptoms Of Athlete’s Foot?

Signs and symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

  • Translucent white moist skin between the toes on one or both feet.
  • A scaly and raw looking rash
  • Itching
  • Stinging
  • Burning
  • Dry skin on the soles of the feet
  • Peeling skin on the soles of the feet
  • Cracked skin on the heels
  • Foot odour

Symptoms most commonly appear on the skin between the toes, which is the area of our feet with the most moisture buildup (it is also the toughest area to dry). Athlete’s foot infections often start between the toes and then can spread to other parts of the foot. 

Causes

What Causes Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus called dermatophytes, which can inhabit, grow and feed off of the outer layer of our skin.  The fungus can then easily spread to others through skin contact, whether it be direct (skin-to-skin) or indirect (i.e.: skin contact with an infected surface).  It can even spread from one part of your body to another.

Fungi love warm, moist environments, such as communal showers, locker rooms and the decks around public swimming pools. We recommend wearing flip-flops or shoes in these places so that your skin won’t come into contact with any infected surfaces.  

Athlete’s foot can also be spread by touch: If you touch an infected surface, you can then spread it to others, even if you don’t get the infection yourself.

Treatment

How Do I Treat Athlete’s Foot?

Over-the-counter topical antifungals are the most common remedy for athlete’s foot. Our Toronto foot clinic also sells foot deodorants, including an anti-fungal foot spray, which are great for prevention and to supplement your athlete’s foot treatment. 

Topical antifungals must be applied to all visible fungus on the toes and feet for four weeks or at least one week after all symptoms have cleared. Athlete’s foot is notorious for recurring, so it is extremely important to comply with the full course of treatment.

In resistant or recurrent cases of athlete’s foot, a foot specialist or doctor can prescribe a prescription antifungal cream or an oral antifungal pill to eradicate the infection. In addition to prescribing and applying antifungal medication, the chiropodists at our Toronto foot clinic can effectively treat any skin damage caused by the infection. 

While treating your athlete’s foot infection, it’s important to also do the following:

  • Clean your socks and linens with bleach or hot water: the fungus can spread from your feet to these surfaces, and then re-infect you if they’re not thoroughly cleaned before being used again.
  • Thoroughly clean any surfaces that your bare feet came into contact with
  • Wash your feet at least once a day and ensure they are thoroughly dried

For more information about what to do while you’re treating an athlete’s foot infection, see Prevention

A foot specialist can go over your best treatment options if you are having difficulty with persistent or recurring athlete’s foot infections.  

To schedule foot care treatment for athlete’s foot with our licensed Chiropodists (foot specialists), use our booking form below or call 416-769-FEET(3338).

Our Toronto foot clinic is open Monday – Friday from 9 am to 6 pm, Saturdays from 9 am to 4 pm and Sundays from 10 am to 4 pm. You do not need a referral to become a patient at our foot clinic.

Risk Factors

The following risk factors can make you more prone to getting athlete’s foot:

  • Sharing mats, rugs, bed linens, clothes, or footwear with someone who has athlete’s foot or a related dermatophyte infection like jock itch or ringworm
  • Walking barefoot in contaminated areas such as public locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools, and communal showers
  • Having a fungal infection elsewhere on your body, i.e. jock itch
  • Sweaty feet: damp socks or tight fitting shoes, especially those made of non-breathable materials, exacerbate moisture levels and make feet the perfect breeding ground for foot fungus
  • A previous athlete’s foot infection

Prevention

How Do I Prevent Athlete’s Foot?

Here are various foot care solutions you can do to prevent athlete’s foot or to reduce the progression of active infections:

  • Thoroughly dry between your toes after a bath or shower
  • Change socks regularly, even multiple times a day if your feet get very sweaty
  • Spend time barefoot to let your feet air out as much as possible when you’re home
  • Make sure your shoes dry after each use and alternate shoes throughout the week
  • Wear well-ventilated shoes and avoid shoes made of non-breathable synthetic materials such as vinyl or rubber
  • Always wear sandals or shoes when visiting public pools, showers, and lockers rooms
  • Be cautious when sharing shoes or towels
  • Use foot deodorant. There are products you can apply to your feet, hoes and socks to help reduce moisture and bacterial growth. Some of these products also have anti-fungal properties.

Related Blog Articles

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Our simple to use, online booking process makes it easy to book an appointment with a chiropodist for any of our services. No referral needed!

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Emily

Administrative Assistant

Emily is the newest addition to the Feet First family. She assists with the clinic’s accounting and finances, as well as all the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the clinic running smoothly. In addition to her accounting smarts, she brings sunshine and positivity to everyone at Feet First Clinic.

Erica Halpern

Marketing and Administrative Assistant (She/Her)

Part of our administrative support staff, Erica also works behind the scenes writing and editing content for our website and blog. She loves researching and writing educational content to help patients and anyone dealing with pain. When she’s not busy in the clinic, you’ll find her at her local gym, exploring underground music, hiking with friends, or cheering on her favourite sports teams (Go Jays!). She also loves huskies!

Sophie Rudahigan

Clinic Administrator (She/Her)
Sophie prides herself on providing top-tier customer service. She is here to ensure a smooth visit for all clients. In addition to overseeing the clinic’s administration and day-to-day operations, she maintains the cosmetic appearance of the store. She is the magic behind our elaborate display case designs and also ensures the clinic is stocked with stylish (but still orthopedic!) footwear options for all ages.

Bianca Carter

CEO (She/Her)

Day in and out, Bianca works hard to ensure Feet First Clinic runs smoothly. Customer service is at the top of her list and she treats every customer like family. Bianca has a passion for fitness and is dedicated to helping people take care of their feet and body. There is no problem that she can’t solve and she believes that where there is a will, there’s a way.

Carolina Charles

Patient Relation Coordinator (She/Her)

If you’ve been to the clinic before, chances are you had the pleasure of meeting Carolina! Carolina’s daily goal is going above and beyond to make sure patients are always completely satisfied. Having worked in the podiatry industry for 22 years, Carolina brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to client service, insurance policies, and procedures.​ She steers the ship to make sure everything runs smoothly on the daily. Carolina is known for spicing up every outfit with her signature costume jewellery.