Athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection that typically affects the toes and soles of the feet. It’s highly contagious and thrives in warm, moist environments - such as locker rooms, communal showers, and inside shoes. Though common, if left untreated it can spread to other parts of the foot, toenails, or even the hands.
Athlete’s foot is caused by dermatophytes - fungi that feed on keratin, a protein found in skin, hair, and nails. The infection is often spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces (like gym floors or towels) or prolonged sweating inside footwear. Cracks or abrasions in the skin increase susceptibility.
Symptoms may include itching, burning, peeling skin between the toes, redness, scaling, and foul odor. In some cases, blisters or moist, macerated skin may develop. Diagnosis is usually clinical based on appearance, but your foot specialist may scrape a small sample of skin for testing to confirm the fungal type and rule out other conditions like eczema or bacterial infection.
