Overview
What Is Athlete鈥檚 Foot?
Athlete鈥檚 foot is a contagious fungal infection of the feet that causes burning, itching and a bright red rash. Also known as tinea pedis, athlete鈥檚 foot is caused by the same fungus that causes jock itch and ringworm. In fact, athlete鈥檚 foot is sometimes called ringworm of the foot.
Athlete鈥檚 foot is the most common of all fungal infections and can affect anyone of any age, although children are rarely infected and women are less likely to get it than men. Your risk of getting athlete鈥檚 foot may increase with age. Other risk factors for getting athlete鈥檚 foot include:
- Living in a warm, humid climate
- Having sweaty feet
- Not drying feet fully after showers
- Wearing tight, closed shoes
- Not wearing protective footwear at public pools and in locker rooms
- Having a weakened immune system
- Being diabetic
- Having a previous athlete鈥檚 foot infection