Athlete's foot - (tinea pedis)

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common persistent infection of the foot caused by a microscopic fungus that lives on dead tissue of the hair, toenails, and outer skin layers (dermatophyte). These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments such as shoes, stockings, and the floors of public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools.

Athlete's foot is transmitted through contact with a cut or abrasion on the bottom (plantar surface) of the foot. In rare cases, the fungus is transmitted from infected animals to humans.

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection in developed countries, affecting many people at some time in their lives. The condition easily spreads in public places such as communal showers, locker rooms and fitness centers.

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