Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis) is an infection of the feet caused by fungus – the medical term is tinea pedis.  It may last for a short or long time and may come back after treatment.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Athlete’s foot occurs when a certain fungus grows on your skin in your feet. In addition to the toes, it may also occur on the heels, palms, and between the fingers.

Athlete’s foot is the most common type of tinea fungal infections. The fungus thrives in warm, moist areas.

Your risk for getting athlete’s foot increases if you:

• Wear closed shoes, especially if they are plastic-lined
• Keep your feet wet for prolonged periods of time
• Sweat a lot
• Develop a minor skin or nail injury

Athlete’s foot is contagious, and can be passed through direct contact, or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces.

Symptoms

The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or side of the foot. Other symptoms can include:

• Red and itchy skin
• Burning or stinging pain
• Blisters that ooze or get crusty

If the fungus spreads to your nails, they can become discolored, thick, and even crumble.

Athlete’s foot may occur at the same time as other fungal skin infections such as ringworm or jock itch.