Yes, athlete’s foot is contagious and can spread from person to person through contact with an infected person or surface. It can also spread to other parts of the body if someone touches the affected foot and another part of their body, like the hands.

While some over-the-counter medicines may relieve your athlete’s foot symptoms, it’s always a good practice to see your doctor to ensure you actually have athlete’s foot and not another skin condition that may mimic the same symptoms. Be sure to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following: 

• If you have diabetes or an autoimmune disease like HIV. 
• Your skin is red, purple, grey, or white, or if you are showing signs of infection including. pus or fever.
• Spread to other parts of your body.
• Causes symptoms that don’t improve even with foot fungus treatments.

While athlete’s foot isn’t dangerous, it won’t go away unless it’s treated with an antifungal medication. Untreated, athlete’s foot has the potential to spread beyond your feet to other parts of your body, including your toenails, hands, and groin. This spread can result in more widespread infections, which might require more extensive foot fungus treatment and could complicate the healing process.

Athlete’s foot shouldn’t stop you from working out, but you should take precautions. Including wearing cotton socks or shoes in changing rooms and be sure to always clean and dry your feet afterward and wash your socks in hot water as an added precaution. You should avoid swimming until your infection is clear to reduce the risk of spreading it. 

There are some steps to take to reduce your risk of getting athlete’s foot, including: 

• Proper foot hygiene like washing your feet and the skin between your toes with an antibacterial soap.
• Drying your feet, and the skin between your toes after showering or swimming.
• Using talcum powder or an antifungal powder to absorb moisture.
• Let your shoes dry out at least 24 hours before wearing again
• Avoid wearing rubber or synthetic shoes and polyester socks for long periods of time. 
• Wearing sandals or flip flops in communal areas like locker rooms, saunas, and showers
• Not sharing, towels, shoes, or socks
• Talk with your doctor if you are taking a antibiotics or other medications that might kill the good bacteria that normally control athlete’s foot fungus. 

If you were wondering, yes, an athlete’s foot can be effectively cured with proper treatment. The condition is caused by a fungal infection, and several approaches can help eradicate it. By adhering to the mentioned treatments and preventive measures, athlete’s foot can be cured, and recurrence can be minimized. If over-the-counter treatments are ineffective or if the infection is severe, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and treatment.