What is athlete's foot?

Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a common persistent infection of the foot caused by a fungus. The fungus most often attacks the foot because shoes create a warm, dark, and humid environment that encourages fungal growth. Athlete's foot is most prevalent in males between 15 and 40 years old.

There are four main varieties of athlete's foot:

The most common form of athlete's foot is characterized by continuous itching of the skin on the sole of the foot or between the toes (often between the fourth and fifth toes). The center of the infection becomes inflamed and sensitive. The outer edges become milky white and a watery discharge may be present.

In the ulcerative form of athlete's foot, the peeling skin becomes worse. Large cracks may form in the skin subjecting the patient to bacterial infection. This form may be transmitted to other parts of the body by scratching or by contact with soiled clothing or bedding.

The third form of athlete's foot is known as “moccasin foot.” It gets this name from the red rash that spreads along the lower portion of the foot in the pattern of a moccasin. The skin often becomes dense, white, and scaly.

There is also an inflammatory or vesicular form. This consists of raised bumps or ridges that develop under the skin on the bottom of the foot. This variety of athlete's foot has intense itching and there is less peeling of the skin

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