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Athlete's foot, tinea pedis
Athlete's foot, tinea pedis
OverviewSymptomsTreatmentPrevention

Athlete's foot

Definition:
Athlete's foot is an infection of the feet caused by fungus. The medical term is tinea pedis. Once you have athlete's foot, it may last for a short or long time and may come back after treatment, especially if you are not careful.

Alternative Names:
Tinea pedis; Fungal infection - feet; Tinea of the foot; Infection - fungal - feet; Ringworm - foot

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Some of these are useful to the body. Others may, under certain conditions, multiply rapidly and cause infections. Athlete's foot occurs when a particular type of fungus grows and multiplies in your feet (especially between your toes) or, less commonly, your hands.

Of the fungal infections known as tinea infections, Athlete's foot is the most common. However, you almost never get it before your teens. It may occur at the same time as other fungal skin infections such as ringworm or jock itch. These fungi thrive 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.



Review Date: 8/5/2003
Reviewed By: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by Glen H. Crawford, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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