Understanding Athlete's Foot - the Basics

What Is Athlete's Foot?

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection, and you don't have to be an athlete to get it. This annoying ailment occurs in boys and girls, and men and women of all ages.

What Causes It?

The majority of athlete’s foot cases are caused by a variety of fungi all belonging to a group called dermatophytes, which also cause jock itch. The fungi thrive in closed, warm, moist environments and feed on keratin, a protein found in hair, nails, and skin. Rarely, athlete’s foot can be caused by non-dermatophytes, like yeast (candida).

Athlete's foot is mildly contagious. It can be spread through direct contact with the infection and by skin particles left on towels, shoes, floors of shower stalls and around swimming pools, and even pedicure shops.

Walking barefoot in the shower at the gym or around the pool may increase your chance of contracting athlete's foot. The risk of developing athlete's foot can also depend on your susceptibility. For example, people who have diabetes are at greater risk.