A - Z Encyclopedia
Understanding Athlete's Foot
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
the Basics
What Is Athlete's Foot?
Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection, and you don't have to be an athlete to get it. This annoying ailment occurs in boys and girls, men and women of all ages. Virtually unheard of in ancient Greece and Rome, when people went barefoot or wore sandals, athlete's foot is a byproduct of a society that keeps its feet enclosed in shoes most of the time.
What Causes It?
The various kinds of fungi that cause athlete's foot belong to a group called dermatophytes, which also cause jock itch. The fungi thrive in closed, warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, a protein found in hair, nails, and skin.
Athlete's foot is mildly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on towels, shoes, floors of shower stalls and around swimming pools.
Walking barefoot in the shower at the gym or around the pool may increase your chance of contracting athlete's foot. But you are more likely to develop the infection from not changing sweaty socks and shoes. The risk of developing athlete's foot can also depend on your susceptibility. For example, people who have diabetes are at greater risk.
the Basics | Symptoms | Treatment
