Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis): Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention | Podiatrist

Yes — highly contagious through direct skin contact and contaminated surfaces. Shared shower floors, pool decks, gym locker rooms, and towels are the most common transmission routes. It can also spread from foot to hand (tinea manuum) or groin (jock itch) if you scratch and don’t wash your hands.

There are three main types: (1) Interdigital — the classic itching and peeling between the 4th and 5th toes; (2) Moccasin-type — dry, scaly thickening across the sole and heel that’s often mistaken for eczema; (3) Vesicular — painful fluid-filled blisters, usually on the sole, and often with secondary bacterial infection. Each type responds best to different treatments.

See a podiatrist if OTC antifungals haven’t worked after 4 weeks, if you have blisters or cracked skin with drainage (signs of bacterial infection), if you’re diabetic or immunocompromised, or if the infection keeps coming back every few months. Same-day evaluations available at Balance Foot & Ankle — (810) 206-1402 — Howell and Bloomfield Hills.

Yes — approximately 30–40% of untreated athlete’s foot cases spread to the toenails, causing onychomycosis (toenail fungus). Nail infections are much harder to clear and require 3–6 months of oral antifungals or laser therapy. Treating athlete’s foot early and completely is the best way to protect your nails.

OTC antifungals are not covered, but prescription antifungals and podiatry visits are typically covered under most PPO plans and Medicare when medically indicated. We accept BCBS, Blue Cross, UHC, HAP, Priority Health, Meridian, and most Michigan insurers. Call (810) 206-1402 to verify your specific coverage.