Tinea pedis

Alternative names:

athlete's foot; fungal infection of the feet; infection - fungal (feet); tinea of the foot

Definition:

An infection of the feet with mold-like fungi called dermatophytes.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The body normally hosts a variety of microorganisms, including bacteria, mold-like fungi (dermatophytes) and yeast-like fungi (such as Candida). Some of these are useful to the body. Others may, under proper conditions, multiply rapidly and cause infections. Fungal skin infections are caused by microscopic plants (fungi) that can live on the skin.

Athlete's foot is an extremely common skin disorder. It occurs most frequently during and after adolescence and is fairly rare before. Athlete's foot is the most common and most persistent of the fungal (tinea) infections. It may occur in association with other fungal skin infections such as ringworm or jock itch. The dermatophytes that cause athlete's foot and similar infections, called tinea infections, live on the dead tissues of the hair, nails, and outer skin layers.

The fungi that cause tinea thrive in warm, moist areas. Susceptibility to tinea infection is increased by poor hygiene, occlusive (closed-up, such as tennis shoes) footwear, prolonged moist skin, and minor skin or nail injuries.

Tinea infections are contagious, and can be passed through direct contact, or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces. They also can be transmitted from contact with pets that carry the fungus. Athlete's foot may be brief or long-term and may recur after treatment.