What is it?
Athlete’s foot, also
called tinea pedis, is a type of skin infection
caused by a fungus and may include a secondary
bacterial or yeast infection. It appears most
often as an itchy red rash, scaly patches, and
peeling skin between toes on the soles of the
feet. The fungus can spread to the toenails or
other parts of the body. Many people have this
fungus on their skin without getting a skin infection.
Why some people develop
athlete’s foot and others don’t is
not clearly understood. However, going barefoot
may increase the chances of getting this infection.
It is thought that moisture, sweating and lack
of proper ventilation of the feet can contribute
to the development of athlete’s foot.
It’s very common.
While found most often in teenage and adult males,
females and children can get athlete’s foot
as well.
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