Athlete’s foot is the common name for tinea pedis, a contagious fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet. It is caused by dermatophyte fungi that grow best in warm, moist places such as shoes, socks, swimming pools, and communal showers.
Signs and symptoms:
- Itching, burning, or stinging between the toes
- Dry, cracked, or peeling skin on the feet
- Redness, scaling, or flaking
- Blisters that may leak fluid and become sore
- In some cases, spread to toenails (fungal nail infection) or even the hands
Why it matters for nail techs:
- Athlete’s foot is very contagious and can spread quickly if not treated.
- Nail professionals need to recognise the signs, avoid carrying out services on infected feet, and protect other clients from risk.
- Clients should be referred to a healthcare professional or podiatrist for proper diagnosis and antifungal treatment.
Best practice:
Do not carry out pedicure or nail services on feet showing signs of athlete’s foot. Recommend medical treatment instead. Professional antifungal creams, sprays, or oral medication may be required to clear the infection.
