Patient guide to athlete’s foot

About athlete’s foot

Athlete’s foot most often affects the skin between the toes, usually between the two smallest toes. The fungus can also occur on the soles and sides of the feet.

Athlete’s foot spreads easily. Infection can occur in swimming pools, gyms and other places where people walk barefoot. At home, it can also spread if several people walk barefoot on the same floors.

Warmth and moisture help the fungus grow and increase the risk of infection.

Athlete’s foot is often found between the toes and thrives in warm, moist conditions.

Treatment of athlete’s foot

Treatment consists of an antifungal cream and measures to stop the fungus growing. Lamisil is normally used. Other products, such as Canesten or Brentan, can be used if Lamisil causes a skin reaction.

Measures to stop the fungus growing

• Let air reach your feet. Take your socks off for periods when you are at home.
• Change socks during the day, especially if your feet become warm or damp.
• Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing, particularly between the toes.
• Wear breathable shoes and go barefoot or wear open sandals when possible.
• Alternate between several different pairs of shoes.
• Fungal spores can survive normal washing. Socks can therefore be soaked in Rodalon for textiles for 24 hours before washing to remove the infection.
• You can also use an antifungal shoe spray, available at the pharmacy or Matas.

Lamisil cream (over the counter)

Lamisil is available as a standard cream and as Lamisil Once. Both contain the same active ingredient (terbinafine).

• Use Lamisil cream once daily for 1–2 weeks.
• Continue treatment for a couple of days after the skin changes have disappeared.
• Apply the cream to the whole affected area and a little way onto the surrounding healthy skin, as the fungus often grows around the edges.

Lamisil Once is applied only once. It is therefore important to apply it very carefully.

Canesten and Brentan (over the counter)

• Apply twice daily.
• Continue treatment for two weeks after the skin changes have gone.

Follow-up

Contact us if the treatment has no effect within a week.

Clinically updated 9 March 2026