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Caused by a fungus that likes warm, dark, moist environments, athlete’s foot (also called tinea pedis) commonly affects the areas between the toes and the bottoms of the feet. It can inflame the skin and cause a flaky or scaly rash that can be red, purple, gray, or white, depending on your skin color. Other symptoms of athlete’s foot include itching, burning, peeling, and sometimes a slight odor, says Tulpule.

You can ease symptoms of athlete’s foot and lower your risk of recurrence by keeping your feet and toes clean and dry, changing your shoes and socks regularly, and never walking barefoot in public locker rooms and showers (both to prevent picking up further infection and not transmit your infection to others). Tulpule also recommends opting for socks made from synthetic materials, which are better for wicking moisture away from the skin. “Try to avoid cotton socks as much as possible,” she advises.

Over-the-counter antifungal creams, powders, or sprays can be used to treat athlete’s foot, according to Penn Medicine. And, adds Tulpule, there are over-the-counter germ-killing sprays you can use on shoes as well.

If these remedies do not work after about three to four weeks, you may need to see a doctor and ask about prescription-strength topical or oral medication, says Tulpule.

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Blisters

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M. Hjerpe/iStock

“Most blisters are caused by friction between the skin on the foot and the inside of your shoes,” says Allan M. Boike, the dean of the College of Podiatric Medicine at Kent State University in Ohio.

You can prevent blisters — soft pockets of raised skin filled with clear fluid — on your feet by wearing comfortable, appropriate-size shoes and socks. If blisters do develop, it’s best to let them break naturally rather than burst them on your own, even when they are painful and make walking difficult, Boike says.

“If you develop a blister, simply cover it with a bandage and allow it to burst naturally,” he advises. “If it bursts, you can apply an over-the-counter antibiotic ointment with a bandage to help it heal and prevent infection, but you should keep the area covered to reduce friction and keep it from reforming.”

Most foot blisters don’t require medical attention. But if you have diabetes or another health condition that makes you prone to infections, you should consult a physician before treating any blisters yourself, says Boike.