Summer Foot Care: Don’t Let Athlete’s Foot Ruin Your Sandal Days

At Junction Pharmacy in London, we’re already seeing more people dusting off their sandals, booking holidays, and getting ready to enjoy the warm weather. But summer comes with its own set of health concerns—and one of the most common is athlete’s foot. This irritating fungal infection can quickly take the joy out of your beach days, poolside lounging, and city strolls in flip-flops.

Luckily, with the right care and timely treatment, you can step into summer with confidence. In this post, we’ll share tips on how to prevent and treat athlete’s foot before it ruins your holiday, and how you can access effective athlete’s foot cream through the Pharmacy First scheme.

What Is Athlete’s Foot?

Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) is a common fungal skin infection that usually begins between the toes. It thrives in warm, moist environments—like sweaty trainers, shared showers, and public swimming pools. You don’t have to be an athlete to get it; anyone can be affected.

Common symptoms include:

• –> Itching, stinging, or burning between the toes or on the soles of the feet

• –> Red, cracked, or scaly skin

• –> Peeling or flaking skin

• –> Unpleasant odour

• –> In severe cases, blisters or oozing

Athlete’s foot is highly contagious and can spread to other parts of the body, including the toenails and groin (where it becomes “jock itch”). That’s why it’s so important to treat it early and thoroughly.

Why Summer Makes It Worse

During the summer months, your feet are often more exposed—but they’re also more at risk. Whether you’re walking barefoot on hotel carpets, using communal showers at the gym, or spending all day in sweaty shoes, your feet are the perfect environment for fungal growth.

And let’s face it—no one wants to deal with itching, flaky feet while relaxing on holiday or showing off their new sandals.

Treating Athlete’s Foot Before Your Holiday

The good news is that athlete’s foot is easily treatable, especially if caught early. The most effective and widely recommended treatment is a topical athlete’s foot cream. These antifungal creams work by killing the fungus and relieving symptoms such as itching and irritation.

At Junction Pharmacy, we stock a range of effective creams containing active ingredients such as:

• –> Clotrimazole

• –> Terbinafine

• –> Miconazole

These are applied directly to the affected area, usually twice a day, and must be continued for the full course—even if the symptoms clear up early—to prevent recurrence.

For more persistent infections, sprays, powders, or oral antifungal tablets may be recommended. Our pharmacy team is on hand to help you choose the right product for your condition.

How to Prevent Athlete’s Foot This Summer

In addition to treating the infection, it’s crucial to stop it from returning or spreading. Follow these tips:

• –> Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes

• –> Change socks daily, or more often if they get sweaty

• –> Let your shoes air out, and avoid wearing the same pair two days in a row

• –> Wear flip-flops in communal showers, changing rooms, and around pools

• –> Avoid sharing towels or footwear

• –> Use antifungal foot powder if you’re prone to sweating

Accessing Treatment Through Pharmacy First

Did you know you might not need to visit your GP for athlete’s foot treatment?

Thanks to the Pharmacy First scheme in England, eligible patients can now get professional advice and treatment for minor conditions, including athlete’s foot, directly from their local pharmacy. That means faster access to care—often with no appointment necessary.

At Junction Pharmacy, we’re proud to offer Pharmacy First consultations for a range of conditions. If you think you’ve developed athlete’s foot, just pop in and speak to our trained team. We can assess your symptoms, recommend suitable athlete’s foot cream, and help you treat the problem before it escalates.

Don’t Let Foot Fungus Follow You Abroad

Your summer should be about relaxation, not irritation. If you’re planning a getaway or just want to enjoy the warmer months with confidence, now is the time to check your feet and deal with any signs of athlete’s foot.

Stop by Junction Pharmacy in London for trusted advice and high-quality treatment options. With a fast Pharmacy First consultation and a reliable athlete’s foot cream, you’ll be ready to slip on those sandals and step into summer without worry.

Reach out today for support with a range of minor ailments.

This blog was written on behalf of Junction Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.