Athlete's foot is a fungal infection in the soft tissues of the feet. You don't have to be an athlete to get athlete's foot, although it is more common in people who have warm, moist feet. It typically produces a rash which has the appearance of itchy, cracked, moist, red skin, and often occurs between the 4th toe and the little toe.
It's caused by fungi that live all the time on our skin surface and are usually harmless, but in the certain conditions, they get out of hand and begin to cause a sore rash.
What's the cause of it?
The commonest type of fungus is "trichophyton rubrum". It is mildly contagious and can be picked up directly (e.g. by touching an area of skin infected with it), or indirectly, (e.g. from changing room floors). The fungus flourishes in warm, moist environments, such as damp, sweaty trainers, and feet that haven't been fully dried after washing.
©Stadn Ltd
Athlete's foot - how to avoid it, and treat it
For more information about Athlete's foot, including how to avoid getting it and treatment options if you do have it, call our pre-recorded information line:
0906 164 1568
Calls cost 60pence per minute from a BT landline
Or talk to one of our live doctors now on
0906 665 8000
Calls cost £1.50 per minute from a BT landline. 24 hrs 7 days a week. Callers must have bill payer's permission and be over 18. All calls are recorded but you do not have to give your name. All Doctors are GMC registered and either fully qualified GPs or post membership hospital specialists. Not for emergency use, diagnosis or prognosis. Not designed to replace a face to face consultation with a medical professional, and any callers taking such advice in isolation do so at their own risk. In the case of a medical emergency, dial 999. Calls last a maximum of 20 minutes.
