Athlete's foot is a skin infection caused by a fungus. Treatment with an antifungal cream usually works well. The tips given below may help to prevent recurrences.

Who gets athlete's foot and how do you get it?

Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection of the skin on the feet. Some types of fungus germs (fungi) are commonly found on human skin. They usually do no harm. However, if conditions are right they can 'invade' the skin, multiply, and cause infection. The conditions fungi like best are warm, moist and airless areas of skin such as between the toes.

Anyone can get athlete's foot. Athlete's foot can also be passed on from person to person. For example, this may occur in communal showers used by athletes or swimmers. A tiny flake of infected skin from a person with athlete's foot can fall off whilst showering. It may then be trodden on by others who can then develop the infection. Once a small patch of infection develops it typically spreads along the skin.

What are the symptoms of athlete's foot?

The skin between the little toes tends to be affected at first. A rash develops that becomes itchy and scaly. The skin may become cracked and sore. Tiny flakes of infected skin may fall off. The rash may spread gradually along the toes if left untreated. In some cases it spreads to the soles.

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