What Happens If Athlete's Foot Is Not Treated?

The skin may remain itchy, scaly, peeling or sore, especially between the toes and on the soles. Repeated scratching and moisture can deepen cracks, making walking uncomfortable and giving bacteria an opening. The infection can also reach a toenail, where treatment is usually more involved because nail grows slowly. It may pass to other areas of your own skin or to another person through shared floors, towels or footwear.

Redness that becomes hot, swollen or increasingly tender may signal a bacterial infection such as erysipelas rather than fungus alone. Athlete's foot can also coexist with sweaty feet, which keeps the area damp and makes control harder.

Arrange an assessment if the rash is persistent, recurrent, spreading, or affecting a nail. A clinician may recommend a topical antifungal treatment for skin or an oral antifungal treatment when infection is extensive, recurrent or involves the nail. Keep feet dry, change socks regularly, dry carefully between the toes, and avoid sharing towels or shoes. Do not pick peeling skin or apply steroid cream alone unless a clinician advises it, because this can hide or alter an infection.

Seek prompt medical care if redness spreads quickly, the foot becomes hot or swollen, pain is marked, pus appears, you develop fever, or cracks are not healing. Get advice sooner if you have diabetes, reduced circulation, or a weakened immune system, because a small foot wound can need closer attention.

Could this be athlete's foot, eczema or another rash? Is a toenail involved? Which treatment is suitable for the affected area, and how long should I continue it after symptoms improve? How should I prevent spread or recurrence?