Athlete’s foot is a very common condition. It is caused by a fungal infection that affects the skin on the feet.
Athlete’s foot is usually mild and often affects the skin between the toes, causing it to become red, flaky and itchy. The medical name for athlete’s foot is tinea pedis. Athlete’s foot is usually easy to treat with antifungal medication.
How common is athlete’s foot?
Anyone can develop athlete’s foot, but it is more common in men and teenagers. The condition is relatively rare in children under 12 years old.
It is not fully understood why some people are more prone to developing athlete’s foot than others. However, as the name suggests, people who play a lot of sport are often affected. This is because the infection is commonly spread in places such as communal showers and changing rooms.
Sport and exercise also tend to make your feet warmer and more moist than usual, which provides an ideal environment for the fungi to grow. Tight-fitting trainers can also encourage the fungi to grow.
Outlook
If it is treated effectively, an athlete’s foot infection will usually only last for a few days or weeks. However, if left untreated, the condition can last for several months or, in some cases, years.
Not all cases of athlete’s foot can be prevented, but practising good foot hygiene can greatly reduce your risk of developing the condition. See Preventing athlete’s foot for more information about foot hygiene.
