Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection causing itching, burning, redness, and peeling, usually between the toes.

Key Information

Athlete’s foot is a common fungal infection that affects the skin of the feet, most often between the toes. It develops when fungi grow in warm, moist environments such as sweaty shoes, damp socks, or wet public services. This condition, medically referred to as Tinea Pedis, spreads easily through direct contact and shared areas like locker rooms, gyms, and swimming pools. If left untreated, it may spread to the soles, toenails, or hands, leading to persistent skin irritation and skin damage.

Also Known As

  • Tinea Pedis
  • Ringworm of the foot
  • Moccasin foot
atopic-dermatitis Also Known as

Causes

Fungal growth in moist environments

Fungus thrives in warm, damp conditions such as sweaty feet, wet socks, and closed footwear, allowing the infection to develop and spread.

Walking barefoot in public areas

Contact with contaminated floors in swimming pools, gyms, locker rooms, and public showers increases the risk of foot fungus transmission.

Excessive sweating

Continuous moisture weakens the skin’s protective barrier, creating ideal conditions for fungal organisms to multiply.

Poor foot hygiene

Not washing or drying feet properly allows fungi to remain on the skin, leading to infection over time.

Tight or non-breathable footwear

Shoes that trap heat and moisture encourage fungal growth and prolong the infection.
Acne Vulgaris Causes

Common Symptoms

  • Itching and burning sensation: Persistent itching or burning between the toes or on the soles, often worsening after removing shoes or socks.

  • Peeling or cracked skin: Dry, flaky skin that peels or cracks, especially between toes, causing discomfort while walking.

  • Redness and inflammation: Visible redness, swelling, or irritation in affected areas due to fungal foot infection and inflammation.

  • Blisters or sores: Small fluid-filled blisters or open sores that may cause pain or lead to secondary infection.

  • Dry, scaly soles: Thickened, rough skin on the soles or sides of the feet that does not improve with regular moisturizers.

  • Unpleasant foot odour: Persistent odour caused by fungal overgrowth combined with bacterial activity or infected skin.

Acne Vulgaris affects

Types of Athlete’s Foot

There are different types of Fungal foot infections, including interdigital type affecting the space between toes, moccasin type causing dry and scaly soles, and vesicular type marked by fluid-filled blisters. Each type varies in severity and requires targeted treatment for effective healing.

Who It Affects

Who It Affects:
Athletes, individuals with sweaty feet, people using public showers, and those wearing tight or closed footwear are more prone to this condition.

When to see a dermatologist

Consult a dermatologist if symptoms do not improve with basic care, worsen over time, or recur frequently. Early evaluation and right foot fungus treatment help prevent complications.

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