Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot caused by parasites on the skin called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes can be divided into three groups according to their favourite hosts:

fungi preferring soil (geophile)
fungi preferring animals (zoophile)
and fungi preferring humans (anthropophile).

Athlete's foot is usually caused by anthropophile fungi. The most common species are Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. These account for 90 per cent of all skin fungal infections, commonly referred to as ringworm.

The medical terms for athlete's foot are tinea pedis or dermatophytosis palmaris, plantaris and interdigitalis - the latter indicates that, in addition to the soles and toes of the feet, the palms of the hands can also become infected.

There are two variants of the condition.

Classic cases
The infection is caused by one of the most common fungi.

A red itchy rash in the spaces between the toes (often between the 4th and 5th toes initially) and possibly small pustules.
Often a small degree of scaling.
The infection can spread to the rest of the foot and other parts of the body.

Rarer cases
Infection of the soles of both feet by Trichophyton rubrum.

The skin reddens and its furrows become marked, resembling chalked lines.
If the condition is not treated, a similar rash may appear on one or both palms.
After a while, the rash becomes scaly, resembling eczema.

Young people, especially if they wear trainers.
Athletes.
People who are forced to wear tight-fitting rubber footwear because of their job.


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