Diseases/Conditions
Email Bookmark Feedback
In this factsheet:

Athlete's Foot

Tinea Pedis ยท Foot Ringworm

The Facts

Athlete's foot - known as dermatophytosis of the foot or tinea pedis ("foot fungus") - is a common skin infection that affects the feet. You don't have to be an "athlete" to get it. In North America, 1 in 10 people has athlete's foot. Men tend to be affected more than women, adults more than children. In about 50% of people with athlete's foot, the condition recurs because the fungus spores survive in skin cracks between the toes.

There are three types of athlete's foot: moccasin-type, vesicular or blistered, and ulcerative tinea pedis.

Causes

Athlete's foot is caused by a fungal infection. The fungi that infect human feet live on the skin, specifically on skin proteins called keratin. These fungi thrive in hot, tropical climates and are recent imports to North America and Europe, brought in by travelers. Wearing tight, non-breathing footwear allows the fungi to flourish and cause athlete's foot. The fungal organisms easily spread from one person to another in moist places where people walk barefoot, such as gym locker rooms and swimming pools. Cuts or blisters on the feet make it easier for these organisms to cause an infection.

Vesicular or blistered athlete's foot is believed to be due to an allergic reaction to fungal organisms, causing blisters to form. Ulcerative tinea pedis occurs when there's a secondary bacterial infection on top of the fungal infection.

Next Page
Author: MediResource Clinical Team
Reviewer: MediResource Clinical Team
Sources
Print
Rate this article:

We recommend the following articles

Protect yourself from STIs

Don't risk your health - learn how to stay free of STIs... >> More
Newsletter
 

Local Health News
Dr. John Torres: Dangers of Melamine in Baby Formula
The FDA sets melamine standards for baby formula, and names brands where the chemical was found....
>>More
Fit on Fox Homepage
DENVER - Certified fitness instructor Joana Canals appears on Good Day Colorado three days per week with all kinds of fitness i...
>>More
Ask the Doctor: Dr. John Torres' Homepage
DENVER - Fox 31 medical consultant Dr. John Torres brings you health stories that can make a difference in the lives of you and...
>>More
Study Shows Families' Financial Strain From Autism
More than half a million U.S. children have autism with costly health care needs that often put an unprecedented financial stra...
>>More
Dr. John Torres: Dangers of Melamine in Baby Formula
The FDA sets melamine standards for baby formula, and names brands where the chemical was found....
>>More

  Advertisement

The contents of this health site are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition.

Site Map | Additional Information | Editorial Policy | Contact Us | About Us


Health On the Net Foundation
Health On the
Net Foundation

© 1996 - 2008 MediResource Inc.