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Athlete's foot isn't serious. But if you don't treat it, your feet can become sore. And the infection may spread to your fingernails, your toenails and other parts of your feet, as well as other places on your body, such as your arms, your legs or your chest. Treatment will make your feet feel better and get rid of the fungus that's causing your symptoms.

Athlete's foot can usually be cured. Even if you've had it for a long time, you should still be able to get rid of the infection completely. But it may come back.

It's especially important to treat it right away if you have:

• Diabetes
• A weak immune system (for example from HIV infection or because you're having chemotherapy).

If you have one of these conditions you're more likely to get a bacterial infection in addition to athlete's foot. This can cause more problems and is often harder to treat than athlete's foot on its own.

You'll probably need to treat athlete's foot for several weeks and maybe longer. If your skin is cracked or has ulcers or blisters from the athlete's foot, it may take a long time to heal.¹

You don't have to stop playing sport or wearing sport shoes if you have athlete's foot. But it's a good idea to always wear something on your feet to keep from spreading the infection to other people. You can carry a pair of flip-flops in your gym bag, and wear these in the changing room and shower and when you walk around the swimming pool.

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.