Tinea pedis

How do you get athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by fungi growing and multiplying on the skin. The fungi that cause the infection thrive inwarm, dark and moist places like feet.

You're more likely to get athlete's foot if you:

don't keep your feet clean and dry
wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
sharetowels, socks and shoes with other people
have a weakened immune system
have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes

Athlete's foot can easily spread to other peopleby touching infectedskin or coming into contact with contaminatedsurfaces or objects.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for tinea pedis

Introduction

Read about athlete's foot, a common fungal infection of the foot. Find out about the symptoms, what causes it, and how it's treated.

Signs and symptoms of athlete's foot

Athlete's footmost commonlyaffects the skin between the toes or on the bottom of the feet. Affected areas of skin may be: dry, red, scaly and flaky white, soggy and cracked itchy sore cover

How do you get athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot is caused by fungi growing and multiplying on the skin. The fungi that cause the infection thrive inwarm, dark and moist places like feet. You're more likely to get athlete's foot if y

Treatments for athlete's foot

Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own. It can usually be treated using antifungal treatments available from pharmacies without needing to see a GP. Antifungal treatments work by stoppi

Preventing athlete's foot

You can reduce your risk of developing athlete's foot by: dryingyour feet gently but thoroughly after washing them, particularly the areas between your toes wearing cotton socks and roomy shoes mad

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