Athlete’s foot is an infectious skin disease that involves itching and scaling between the toes and on the soles of the feet. The disease is caused by a microscopic fungus. Nearly everyone comes into contact with this fungus, but some people are infected more easily than others. The fungi thrive on warm, moist skin surfaces. For this reason, the disease affects many athletes and other people whose feet regularly become hot and sweaty.
Athlete’s foot starts between the toes and then makes the bottoms of the feet red and scaly. In some cases, it also causes blisters. The disease may spread to other parts of the body. It is then known as ringworm (see Ringworm). Athlete’s foot is sometimes also called ringworm of the feet or tinea pedis.
The disease is treated by—and can be prevented by—washing and drying the feet thoroughly; wearing socks and shoes that provide proper ventilation; using talcum powder to absorb the moisture; and, if necessary, applying medicine that kills the fungus. The fungus is difficult to get rid of completely if the toenails become infected. Repeated attacks of athlete’s foot may occur in such cases. In severe or long-lasting cases of athlete’s foot, a physician may prescribe antifungal drugs.
