Have you noticed itchy, red or peeling skin on your feet and wondered whether it's athlete's foot or eczema?
You're not alone.
These two conditions can look remarkably similar, particularly in the early stages, which makes self-diagnosis difficult. While both athlete's foot and eczema can cause itching, redness and flaky skin, they have very different causes and require different treatments. Applying the wrong cream may not only fail to improve your symptoms but, in some cases, can even make the condition worse.
In this guide, we'll explain the key differences between athlete's foot and eczema, how to recognise the signs of each, how to manage them, and when it's time to seek professional advice.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal infection of the skin caused by a group of fungi known as dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, socks and communal showers.
Although the name suggests it only affects athletes, anyone can develop athlete's foot. People who wear enclosed footwear for long periods, use public swimming pools or gyms, or have persistently sweaty feet are at a higher risk.
Athlete's foot most commonly begins between the toes but may also spread to the soles, sides of the feet and, if left untreated, even the toenails.
Common symptoms include:
Because it is caused by a fungus, athlete's foot is contagious and can spread through direct contact or contaminated surfaces.
Foot eczema is an inflammatory skin condition rather than an infection. It occurs when the skin barrier becomes irritated or overreacts to internal or external triggers.
Unlike athlete's foot, eczema is not contagious and cannot be passed from person to person.
Common symptoms include:
Foot eczema can affect any part of the foot, including the tops of the feet, heels, soles and ankles. Some people experience occasional flare-ups, while others have a more chronic condition that requires ongoing management.
Although these conditions share several symptoms, there are a number of important differences that can help distinguish one from the other.
The biggest difference lies in the underlying cause.
Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. The fungus grows on the outer layer of the skin and thrives in warm, damp environments. Eczema, on the other hand, is caused by inflammation and dysfunction of the skin barrier. It is not caused by bacteria or fungi and is not infectious.
Athlete's foot most commonly starts:
Eczema can appear almost anywhere on the foot, including:
While there can be overlap, athlete's foot has a stronger tendency to begin between the toes.
Athlete's foot often appears as:
Eczema more commonly appears as:
Both conditions itch, but the sensation is often different.
Athlete's foot frequently causes itching together with burning or stinging, especially after removing shoes and socks. Eczema is usually characterised by intense itching that may become worse at night or during flare-ups.
Athlete's foot is contagious, while foot ezcema is not.
Athlete's foot can spread through:
Because the causes are different, the treatments are also different.
Athlete's foot is typically treated with:
Eczema treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and restoring the skin barrier through:
One important point to remember is that steroid creams may temporarily reduce redness caused by athlete's foot while allowing the fungal infection to continue spreading underneath. This is why obtaining the correct diagnosis is so important before starting treatment.
| Athlete's Foot | Eczema |
| Caused by a fungal infection | Caused by skin inflammation |
| Contagious | Not contagious |
| Usually begins between the toes | Can affect almost any part of the foot |
| Burning and itching are common | Itching is often more intense |
| Often starts on one foot | Frequently affects both feet |
| Responds to antifungal medication | Responds to moisturisers and anti-inflammatory treatment |
Because athlete's foot and eczema can look very similar, it's common for people to try the wrong treatment first. Unfortunately, using an inappropriate cream may delay healing and, in some cases, make the condition worse.
Using a steroid cream on athlete's foot may temporarily reduce redness and itching, but it won't treat the fungal infection. Instead, the fungus can continue to spread, increasing the risk of persistent symptoms or even infection of the toenails.
Antifungal creams are designed to treat fungal infections, not inflammation. If the rash is actually eczema, symptoms such as dryness, itching and irritation are unlikely to improve, delaying the appropriate treatment.
Why hesitate and be confused when you can get expert help?
If you've been treating your feet without success or you're unsure which condition you have, an assessment by a podiatrist can help identify the underlying cause and ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment for lasting relief.
You should consider seeking professional advice if:
An accurate diagnosis allows the most appropriate treatment to begin sooner, helping prevent ongoing discomfort and complications.