The most common fungi are tinea species, the same group that causes ringworm and fungal nail infections. They get onto your feet from shared surfaces (gym floors, pool decks, shared changing rooms, communal showers) and then thrive in the warm, damp environment inside shoes and socks. Excessive sweating, tight closed shoes, synthetic socks and not drying feet thoroughly all encourage the infection.

Common symptoms are itching, burning or stinging between the toes or on the soles; peeling, flaking or scaly skin; cracked or raw skin between the toes; redness and inflammation; small blisters; and a slight unpleasant smell. Some cases are quiet and cause only dry scaly skin while others are intensely itchy and uncomfortable.

Most cases can be diagnosed by clinical examination. The podiatrist looks at the location, pattern and appearance of the affected skin. Where the pattern is unusual or it has not responded to previous treatment we can take a small skin scraping and send it for laboratory testing to confirm the type of fungus and guide the right treatment.

Effective treatment usually combines a few things:

• Targeted topical antifungal treatment prescribed for your specific case
• Treatment of any concurrent fungal nail infection (very common alongside athlete's foot)
• Daily hygiene routine: thorough drying between the toes, changing socks, alternating shoes
• Footwear and sock advice to break the cycle
• Oral antifungal medication via GP referral in stubborn or extensive cases

We tailor the mix to your case at your first appointment.

Most interdigital cases improve significantly within 2 to 4 weeks of consistent treatment and fully clear within 6 weeks. Moccasin-pattern infections respond more slowly and typically take 8 to 12 weeks. Where toenails are involved alongside, the nail treatment continues for months while the new nail grows out. The key is finishing the full antifungal course, not stopping the moment symptoms ease.

A few reasons. First, over-the-counter products use weaker antifungal agents that work for very mild cases but struggle with more established infections. Second, most people stop treatment the moment the itching settles, which is weeks before the fungus is cleared, so it bounces back. Third, the daily hygiene and footwear changes are usually missing. We address all three at your appointment.

Yes, athlete's foot is contagious. The fungus transfers through shared towels, shower floors, gym mats and shoes. Family members in the same household can pick it up over time. Simple precautions reduce spread: dry feet thoroughly, do not share towels or footwear, wear flip-flops in shared changing rooms and wash socks at 60 degrees.

Yes, recurrence is common because the same conditions that caused it the first time (sweaty feet, closed shoes, exposure to shared changing rooms) usually still exist. The key is changing the conditions that allow the fungus to thrive. We will cover this in your final treatment review so you stay clear long-term.

For your first appointment, allow up to 60 minutes. This gives us enough time for a thorough history, examination and treatment in the same visit. Follow-up treatments are typically up to 30 minutes for the vast majority of cases. We'll confirm the exact length when you book.

No. You can book a podiatry appointment directly with us with no GP referral needed. We can write to your GP after your appointment if there's anything they should know.

Wear something comfortable that's easy to roll up to the knee. Bring the shoes you wear most often (we'll often look at how they're wearing for biomechanical clues). If you've had any imaging or test results related to your feet, bring those too. Otherwise just bring yourself.

Podiatry & chiropody is available at our Great Dunmow clinic at 12 Stortford Road, CM6 1DA. The clinic has on-site disabled parking available on request. Just give us a call ahead of your appointment.