Athlete's Foot

(2 products)
Treat and beat Athlete’s Foot by stopping the itch and burn while providing instant and lasting foot cooling.

Athlete's Foot FAQs

What causes athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungus that grows in warm, damp environments. It often spreads in locker rooms, public showers and pool areas. The fungus often grows in sweaty shoes and socks.

What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

Common symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, stinging and burning. The infection usually affects the skin between the toes, and the soles and sides of the feet. Redness and scaling may develop. The skin may also peel and become cracked. Foot odor can also be a symptom of athlete’s foot. 

How long does it take to get rid of athlete's foot?

How long it takes to get rid of athlete’s foot depends on the treatment product and if it’s used as directed. Fungal-X Cream is designed to treat athlete's foot in only one week, while other treatments, such as the Odor-X Athlete's Foot Medicated Liquid Spray, need to be used daily for 4 weeks. Always follow the directions on the package and keep using the product for the full treatment duration even after symptoms improve.

Should I keep using treatment after my symptoms go away?

Yes, you should keep using the product for the full treatment time listed on the package, even if your skin looks better and you no longer have uncomfortable symptoms. Stopping too early can allow the fungus to come back.

What is tolnaftate?

Tolnaftate is a clinically proven antifungal ingredient. It is the active ingredient in the Odor-X Athlete's Foot Medicated Spray Powder and in the Odor-X Athlete's Foot Medicated Liquid Spray. This medication cures and prevents most cases of athlete's foot.

Should I use a cream, powder, or spray?

Which type of formula you choose depends largely on your preference and any other benefits you may be looking for. Creams deliver targeted treatment to specific areas. Sprays are quick, hands-free, and good for hard-to-reach spots. Powders help keep feet dry and are well suited for daily prevention. Choose the format that fits most easily into your routine.

Can I prevent athlete's foot from coming back?

In some cases, it may be possible to reduce the risk of athlete’s foot coming back. Keep your feet clean and dry, change socks daily, let shoes air out, and wear shower shoes in shared wet spaces. Odor-X Athlete's Foot Daily Defense Powder is formulated to prevent most cases of athlete's foot by providing continuous all-day protection.

Is athlete's foot contagious?

Yes, athlete’s foot is contagious. The fungus can spread through direct contact and through shared surfaces, towels, socks, shoes and personal grooming tools, such as nail clippers. Avoid sharing these items and wear sandals in public showers and locker rooms.

Can athlete's foot spread to my toenails?

Yes, athlete's foot can spread to the toenails if it is not treated. If your nails become thick, discolored or brittle, talk with a doctor about a possible nail infection.

When should I see a doctor about athlete's foot?

See a doctor for athlete’s foot if symptoms do not improve after you have completed treatment with an antifungal athlete’s foot medication, if the infection spreads, or if your skin becomes very red, swollen or painful. People with diabetes or poor circulation should ask a doctor before treating a foot infection at home.

How to Treat and Prevent Athlete's Foot

Athlete's foot is one of the most common skin infections of the feet. It is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, damp places such as sweaty shoes, locker room floors and pool decks. Despite the name, you don’t actually have to be an athlete to get athlete’s foot. Anyone whose feet spend time in closed-toe shoes or shared wet spaces is at risk of an athlete’s foot infection. Dr. Scholl's athlete's foot treatments are designed to calm the itching and burning associated with athlete’s foot. They also treat the infection, and help keep it from coming back.

Athlete's foot can cause troublesome symptoms, including itching, stinging and burning, most often between the toes, and on the soles and sides of the feet. The skin may look red and scaly, and it may peel and crack, especially between the toes. Some people notice an unpleasant odor as well. Because the fungus spreads easily, it can move from the feet to the toenails or hands, so it is best to start treatment as soon as you notice symptoms. The symptoms of athlete’s foot can come and go, and many people mistake athlete's foot in its early stages for simple dry skin, so they don’t start treatment. This can allow the infection to progress and spread.

Dr. Scholl’s offers several different types of solutions for athlete’s foot. Creams offer targeted treatment right where you need it. Fungal-X Cream is designed to treat and address the symptoms of athlete's foot in just one week with full prescription strength antifungal power in an easy-to-use cream. Odor-X Athlete's Foot Antifungal Cream Treatment is designed to cure and prevent most athlete's foot infections while providing fast, targeted relief from common symptoms. This cream can also help minimize odors.