Why Does My Athlete's Foot Keep Coming Back?

The fungus that causes athlete’s foot can easily stick around without proper treatment. While topical treatments are useful for very mild cases that involve only a small area, they usually aren’t enough by themselves, and athlete’s foot can keep coming back.

At Concord Podiatry, foot and ankle specialist David Biss, DPM, provides diagnosis and treatment for a full range of issues that affect the feet and ankles, and he has experience dealing with even the toughest cases of athlete’s foot. Here’s why this pesky condition often returns and what you can do to keep it at bay.

Reinfection from the environment

Athlete’s foot thrives in warm, moist environments like locker rooms, public showers, and swimming pools. If you frequent these places, you’re constantly at risk of reinfection. 

Fungi can also linger in your shoes, socks, and on surfaces around your home. To prevent reinfection, make sure to clean and disinfect your footwear regularly, avoid walking barefoot in communal areas, and use antifungal powders or sprays in your shoes.

Incomplete treatment

Many people stop using antifungal creams or medications as soon as the symptoms start to improve. However, this doesn’t mean the fungus is gone entirely. To ensure complete treatment, it’s crucial to continue using the medication for the full prescribed duration, even if your symptoms resolve.

Poor foot hygiene

Maintaining good foot hygiene is key to preventing athlete’s foot. Fungi love damp, sweaty environments, so it’s important to keep your feet clean and dry.

Wash your feet daily with soap and water, dry them thoroughly, especially between your toes, and change your socks regularly. Opt for moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes to help keep your feet dry.

Wearing the wrong footwear

Your choice of footwear can increase the risk of recurrent athlete’s foot. Tight shoes that don’t breathe create the perfect conditions for fungal growth. 

Choose shoes made of breathable materials that fit well, and avoid wearing the same pair every day. Giving your shoes time to air out can help reduce moisture and prevent fungal growth. Consider using antifungal insoles for added protection.

Ignoring underlying conditions

Certain underlying conditions can make you more susceptible to athlete’s foot. For example, people with diabetes, weakened immune systems, or circulation issues are at a higher risk. 

If you have any of these conditions, it’s important to manage them effectively and take extra precautions to prevent fungal infections. Consult with your health care provider for personalized advice and treatment options.

Contact with infected individuals

Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can easily spread through direct contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. If someone in your household has athlete’s foot, it’s important to take preventive measures.

Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or socks, and ensure that common areas are cleaned and disinfected regularly. Encouraging everyone in your home to practice good foot hygiene can also help prevent the spread of the infection.

Not addressing toenail fungus

Fungal infections can spread from your skin to your toenails and vice versa. If you have toenail fungus and it goes untreated, it can reinfect the skin on your feet, causing athlete’s foot to return. 

Treating toenail fungus with antifungal medications, whether topical or oral, is crucial to preventing recurrent athlete’s foot. Regularly trimming and cleaning your toenails can also help keep infections at bay.

Effective treatment for athlete’s foot

For a case of athlete’s foot that keeps coming back, you may need stronger treatment. Dr. Biss may recommend oral antifungal medications. These medications work by attacking specific aspects of fungal cells, and they’re more effective than over-the-counter antifungal creams, gels, and sprays. 

If you’re dealing with recurrent athlete’s foot, Concord Podiatry can help. Call or text the office near you — we’re located in Concord and Plymouth, New Hampshire — to request an appointment with Dr. Biss.