Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet. It is also known as tinea pedis or ringworm of the foot.
Athlete's foot is an extremely common skin disorder with 70% people developing the infection at some time during their life.
One does not have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot. Anyone who wears moist shoes for long time can get it. The fungus that causes it thrives in the warm and moist conditions found in most shoes. It affects the sole of the feet but can spread to other parts of the body including the palm or groin, specially the scrotum of men. This condition is called jock itch.
Cracked, flaking and peeling skin between the toes or side of the foot is the most common symptom of athlete’s foot.
30-40% infections resolve without any treatment. Hygiene plays an important role in managing an athlete's foot infection. Keeping feet and footwear as dry as possible and avoiding sharing towels etc., aids in the prevention of primary infection. Antifungal creams or powders help control the infection.
