Athlete’s Foot vs. Foot Eczema: How to Tell the Difference and When to See a Podiatrist

Itchy, red, or peeling skin on your feet can be more than just an irritation; it could be a sign of a skin condition that requires different care. Athlete’s foot and foot eczema are two of the most common causes of foot irritation, yet they’re often confused with each other. While they may look similar at first glance, their causes, treatments, and even risks are very different.

Understanding how to tell them apart can save you from months of frustration and ensure you get the right treatment from the start.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot (or tinea pedis) is a fungal infection that develops when dermatophyte fungi—microorganisms that thrive on keratin—invade the top layer of skin. These fungi love warm, damp environments, making feet (especially between the toes) the perfect host.

The infection is contagious and can spread through direct contact, shared towels, shoes, or contaminated surfaces like gym floors and locker rooms.

Common symptoms of athlete’s foot include:

• Persistent itching or burning between the toes
• Peeling, cracked, or scaly skin
• Soft, white, or soggy, looking skin between toes
• Redness or inflammation, sometimes with blisters
• Unpleasant foot odor
• Thickened or discolored toenails if the infection spreads

Risk Factors

You’re more likely to develop athlete’s foot if you:

• Wear closed shoes for long hours
• Have excessively sweaty feet or wear non-breathable socks
• Walk barefoot in public showers or locker rooms
• Share footwear, towels, or mats with others
• Have a weakened immune system or diabetes

Although it’s uncomfortable, athlete’s foot can usually be managed effectively with antifungal treatment and proper foot hygiene.

What Is Foot Eczema?

Foot eczema is not an infection, it’s an inflammatory skin condition caused by a weakened or overreactive immune response that disrupts the skin barrier. When this barrier is compromised, moisture escapes and irritants enter, leading to dry, itchy, and inflamed skin.

Unlike athlete’s foot, eczema is not contagious. It often affects people with a history of allergies, asthma, or atopic dermatitis and can appear anywhere on the body, including the feet.

Common symptoms of foot eczema include:

• Dry, rough, scaly, or thickened skin
• Redness and inflammation
• Intense itching or burning
• Small blisters (especially in dyshidrotic eczema) that may ooze and crust over
• Cracks or fissures that cause pain when walking

Common Triggers

Eczema flares on the feet can be caused by:

• Heat and sweating inside shoes
• Prolonged standing or friction
• Harsh soaps, detergents, or fragranced products
• Certain fabrics or footwear materials
• Stress or hormonal changes

Eczema can be chronic, with flare-ups that come and go. While it can’t be “cured,” it can be managed effectively through daily skincare, moisturizers, and prescribed topical treatments.

Why Misdiagnosis Happens

At first glance, both conditions can cause redness, peeling, and itching, which is why many people misdiagnose themselves. Treating eczema with antifungal creams won’t help, and using steroid creams on a fungal infection can actually make it worse.

Only a podiatrist or dermatologist can accurately determine the cause, often through a simple skin scraping or culture test to confirm if fungus is present.

A proper diagnosis ensures you’re not wasting time (and money) on the wrong treatment and helps prevent complications like secondary infections or skin damage.

How to Tell Which One You Might Have

Here are a few quick clues that can help:

• Location: If it’s mainly between your toes or feels soggy and itchy, it’s likely fungal. If it’s dry, cracked, or on other areas of your feet, it may be eczema. ‍
• Moisture Level: Athlete’s foot thrives in dampness; eczema worsens with dryness. ‍
• Contagion: Athlete’s foot can spread to others. Eczema cannot. ‍
• Response to Treatment: If antifungal creams don’t work within a few weeks, it might not be fungus.

Still unsure? It’s always best to let a podiatrist confirm the diagnosis rather than guessing based on appearance.

Treatment and Prevention

Treating Athlete’s Foot

• Wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.
• Change socks at least once a day, or more if they get damp.
• Choose moisture-wicking socks and breathable shoes made of natural materials.
• Use antifungal creams, powders, or sprays as directed.
• Disinfect shoes regularly and avoid walking barefoot in public areas.
• If over-the-counter treatments fail after 2–4 weeks, see a podiatrist for prescription options.

If you’re prone to athlete’s foot, you may also want to read our guide on the best shoes for foot pain and how to choose the right footwear for comfort and support.

Managing Foot Eczema

• Apply thick, fragrance-free moisturizers daily (especially after bathing).
• Use lukewarm water and gentle cleansers instead of hot water and harsh soaps.
• Avoid products with dyes, fragrances, or alcohol.
• During flare-ups, use prescribed topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors.
• Keep your feet cool and dry to avoid sweating inside shoes.
• Identify and minimize triggers such as stress, allergens, or synthetic materials.

If your symptoms include peeling or pain, you may also benefit from our detailed guide on how to relieve pain from athlete’s foot, which covers overlapping care and prevention strategies.

When to See a Podiatrist

Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Schedule a professional evaluation if you notice:

• Cracked, painful skin that doesn’t improve
• Itchiness or redness spreading to other areas
• Blisters, pus, or foul odor
• Discolored, thick toenails
• Recurrent flare-ups despite home care
• Uncertainty about whether it’s fungal or eczema-related

For more guidance, explore our educational post on when to see a podiatrist and the 10 signs you shouldn’t ignore.

The Bottom Line

Although athlete’s foot and foot eczema can look similar, their causes and treatments are entirely different. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moisture and spreads easily; foot eczema is an inflammatory condition that results from skin barrier dysfunction.

If you’ve tried home remedies with little success, it’s time to see a podiatrist. A professional evaluation ensures accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and relief that lasts.

At FAS The Woodlands, our foot and ankle specialists offer expert diagnosis and advanced treatment for all types of skin and nail conditions—from athlete’s foot and eczema to chronic dryness, nail fungus, and diabetic foot care.

📍 Serving The Woodlands, Huntsville, and Memorial City. Book your appointment today to restore healthy, comfortable feet.