On this page
Short answer Why dorms are a hot spot How to avoid it What it looks like How is it treated? Is it contagious? When to see a clinician Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesWear shower sandals, dry between your toes and use your own towel: athlete's foot is a fungus that spreads on damp floors and shared items.
If you get it, over-the-counter antifungal cream usually clears it in 1 to 4 weeks. See a clinician if it spreads, blisters, or does not improve.
Why dorms are a hot spot
Fungus grows in warm, wet places such as shower floors, locker rooms and pool decks. Walking barefoot there, wearing damp socks and sharing towels all raise the risk.
How to avoid it
- Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in shared bathrooms
- Dry your feet well, especially between the toes
- Change socks daily, and after workouts
- Let shoes air out and rotate pairs
- Do not share towels, socks or shoes
What it looks like
- Itchy, scaly or peeling skin between the toes or on the sole
- Redness, stinging or burning
- Sometimes small blisters or cracked skin
How is it treated?
Use an over-the-counter antifungal cream, spray or powder as the label says, and keep using it for the full time even after the skin looks better. Keep your feet dry. Most cases clear in 1 to 4 weeks.
Is it contagious?
Yes. It can spread by skin contact and through floors, towels and shoes, and can spread to other body areas, so wash your hands after touching it.
When to see a clinician
- No improvement after 2 to 4 weeks of treatment
- Skin that is hot, swollen, draining pus or spreading red streaks
- Fever
- Diabetes with any foot problem
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
Can I still go to the gym? Yes. Cover the area, wear shoes in wet areas and wipe equipment.
Does athlete's foot go away on its own? Not reliably. Treat it.
Can I get it from a roommate? Yes, through shared towels or floors.
Is it the same as ringworm? It is the same family of fungus.
Should I throw out my shoes? Dry them out and use antifungal powder.
Common questions
How do I avoid athlete's foot from dorm showers?
Wear shower sandals, dry between your toes and use your own towel: athlete's foot is a fungus that spreads on damp floors and shared items. If you get it, over-the-counter antifungal cream usually clears it in 1 to 4 weeks. See a clinician if it spreads, blisters, or does not improve.
Can I still go to the gym?
Yes. Cover the area, wear shoes in wet areas and wipe equipment.
Does athlete's foot go away on its own?
Not reliably. Treat it.
Can I get it from a roommate?
Yes, through shared towels or floors.
Is it the same as ringworm?
It is the same family of fungus.
Should I throw out my shoes?
Dry them out and use antifungal powder.