Recurrent Athlete’s Foot: 8 Signs It’s Time to Seek Expert Care for Your Fungal Infection

Athlete’s foot — an infection caused by fungi like Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes — affects 15% of Americans. You can pick up the infection through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or by sharing towels, socks, or footwear.

It causes itchy, flaky skin on your feet, especially between your toes. While over-the-counter treatments can be effective, some infections persist and keep coming back, often recurring again and again.

So, when is it time to seek expert care for that pesky infection? 

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s a good idea to consult the experts at Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic in Michigan City, Chesterton, Indiana, and Lombard, Illinois.

1. Your foot is always itchy or burning

If your feet continue to itch, burn, or sting even after using antifungal creams or powders, your infection may be resistant or deeper than typical over-the-counter treatments can reach.

2. Your infection always comes back even after treatment 

Recurring athlete’s foot — even after treatment — is a clear sign that the fungus hasn’t been fully eradicated. Recurrent infections can sometimes indicate an underlying issue, such as moisture buildup, poor-fitting shoes, or immune system factors.

Recurrent infections can also be attributed to something as simple as inadequate laundry routines. For example, if you’ve treated your foot — but not your shoes — you may be reinfecting yourself. 

3. Your skin is cracked and peeling

Severe or recurring infections often cause the skin between your toes or on your soles to crack, peel, or even become painful and raw. This can open the door to bacterial infections and make everyday activities uncomfortable.

4. The infection is spreading to other parts of your foot

If the fungus spreads to your toenails and causes thickening, discoloration, or brittleness, it’s time to seek professional treatment.

Nail fungal infections, officially known as onychomycosis, are more difficult to treat and typically require prescription medications.

5. You’ve already tried over-the-counter treatments without any real results 

If your symptoms don’t improve after using antifungal creams, sprays, or powders as directed, it’s time to talk to us. You may not have used strong enough products. In this case, prescription-strength treatments may be needed to fully clear your infection.

6. You have any underlying health condition

Conditions like diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system can make fungal infections more severe and harder to treat. For example, if you have diabetes and an untreated fungal infection, you’re at higher risk of developing a serious bacterial infection that can spread and cause complications. 

In these cases, discussing athlete’s foot with our team is especially important to protect your foot health and overall well-being.

7. You’re not sure if you have a fungal infection

An athlete’s foot isn’t the only condition that causes itchy rashes. Yeast infections, for example, can also lead to red, itchy skin, but they require a different treatment because they’re caused by yeast like Candida, not the same fungi that trigger athlete’s foot. 

Don’t worry, though. Our team can pinpoint the exact cause of your rash and ensure you receive the right treatment.

Struggling with athlete’s foot? We can help!

Treating an athlete's foot means more than just calming the itch. It means wiping out the fungus and keeping it from coming back. At Momentum Foot & Ankle Clinic, Dr. Mahmood and Dr. Wilson treat athlete’s foot with powerful antifungal creams, oral medications, or powders, depending on your needs.

But treatment doesn’t stop there. 

Because athlete’s foot often recurs, we provide you with personalized prevention strategies — such as selecting the right footwear, using daily antifungal powder, and avoiding sweaty shoes — to keep your feet healthy for the long haul.

Don’t let the athlete’s foot keep coming back. Call us at 219-214-2047 or click here to schedule a consultation.