Athlete’s Foot Symptoms

Athlete’s foot is an itchy, red and scaly rash which often starts between or on the toes and can spread to the rest of the foot. It is contagious, and can be easily caught and passed on. While it’s called ‘athlete’s foot’, not only athletes suffer from it. Most people catch this fungal skin condition at some point in their lives.  

Symptoms of athlete’s foot:

• Scaly, itchy and red rash on feet and toes
• Cracking and peeling skin on your feet, most commonly between or on toes and on the soles of your feet
• Dry or raw skin on the soles or on the sides of your feet
• Sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation

Common places to catch athlete’s foot include communal areas where people go barefoot, like swimming pools, gym locker rooms and showers. 

Athlete’s Foot Treatments 

Treat your athlete’s foot as soon as it appears to stop it spreading.

Ensure that the skin is completely dry before applying NU CALMAR Absolute Soothing Cream:

• Apply at least 30-60 minutes after you have had a shower or bath
• Continue using for several days after the symptoms disappear to ensure the fungal spores are dead and the skin condition effectively treated
• Always read the label, and use only as directed
• If symptoms persist‚ see your doctor.

To avoid spreading to other parts of the body:

• Never dip your fingers or spoon / spatula in the jar if they have already touched any part of a fungal skin infection (or they are otherwise dirty)
• Wash your hands and spoon / spatula again thoroughly with soap and warm water prior to subsequent applications.

Athlete’s Foot Prevention

Tips to help prevent athlete’s foot:

• Keep your feet clean and dry
• Whenever possible, wear cotton socks and avoid synthetic materials
• Wear thongs / flip flops in communal areas, such as gym locker rooms and showers and public areas of swimming pools
• Do not use or step on other people’s towels or clothes
• Change your towel after each wash

If you suffer from recurring athlete’s foot:

• Machine wash your socks in hot (not cold) water, and add half to one cup of white vinegar to the wash
• For particularly bad athlete’s foot - soak all your clean socks in a pot of boiling hot water for at least 10 minutes; or
• Buy new cotton socks and throw out all your old ones

Keep in mind that fungal spores thrive in a moist and warm environment and can stay embedded in clothes, towels and bed linen. If athlete’s foot recurs, machine wash clothes, towels and bed linen in hot (not cold) water and add half to one cup of white vinegar, and dry these items thoroughly before using.

*Disclaimer: None of the above information in any way constitutes, or is a substitute for, medical advice. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Athlete’s Foot FAQ 

What is athlete’s foot?

Athlete’s foot is an itchy, red and scaly rash which often starts between or on the toes and can spread to the rest of the foot. It is contagious, and can be easily caught and passed on.

How did I get athlete’s foot?

There are any number of ways you could have caught athlete’s foot. A common way is going barefoot in communal areas, such as gym locker rooms, showers or in public areas of swimming pools.

How can I stop getting athlete’s foot?

Please see the athlete’s foot prevention section above for tips on how to avoid athlete’s foot.

Remember that scratching, rubbing or touching areas affected by athlete’s foot can spread the infection to other areas of the body. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water immediately after touching any infected areas.

Do only athletes get athlete’s foot?

In short, no. Athlete’s foot affects people of all ages. It is called ‘athlete’s foot’ because it is often caught by people walking barefoot in communal areas such as gym locker rooms, showers and public areas of swimming pools. But it can be spread in other ways, such as sharing clothes or towels or touching a surface with the fungus that causes athlete’s foot.