Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a fungal infection of the skin of the foot.
Approximately 90 per cent of fungal skin infections are caused by 'dermatophytes', which are parasitic fungi affecting the skin, hair, or nails.
Athlete's foot is caused by one of two types of fungus.
Trichophyton mentagrophytes is that type of fungus that often causes infections that result in symptoms like blisters on the soles of the feet, and scaling and inflammation in the web space between the outer toes.
The infection is severe although it appears suddenly, but it can be easily treated.
Trichophyton rubrum is that type of fungus that often causes infections that result in very fine scaly eruption on the soles of the feet with some redness which may extend to the side of the heel and at the front of the foot.
This is a chronic infection and is very difficult to treat.
These fungi thrive in hot, moist and tropical environments and feed on keratin, a protein found in hair, nails, and skin.
Hence, the risk of infection is high in people walking barefoot in areas such as showers, community bath houses, locker rooms, health clubs and indoor swimming pools.
Prolonged use of occlusive or closed footwear is also a likely cause of this infection.
It can also be passed on by sharing footwear with an infected person or by sharing towels with an infected person, the latter being in very rare cases.
Certain people are genetically susceptible to this infection.
This is believed to be due to a defect in cell-mediated immunity but this has not been validated.
People with Diabetes are at a greater risk.
In order to prevent athlete's foot, it is important to keep the feet thoroughly dry, especially the web space between your toes.
Avoiding use of occlusive footwear and wearing flip-flops in public places are other preventive measures that can be taken.