Where is athletes foot located

It got this name because it affects people whose feet tend to be damp and sweaty, which is often the case with athletes. But anyone can get this infection. Other fungal skin infections include jock itch and ringworm despite its name, ringworm is not a worm. These infections are caused by several types of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes pronounced: der-MAH-tuh-fites that live on the dead tissues of your skin, hair, and nails. Athlete's foot usually causes redness, flakiness, peeling, or cracking of the skin on the feet.

It may itch, sting, or burn, or simply feel uncomfortable. It's usually on the soles of the feet, the areas between the toes, and sometimes the toenails. When the toenails are involved they become thick, white or yellowish, and brittle. Athlete's foot is caused by fungi that normally live on the skin, hair, and nails called dermatophytes. When the environment they live in gets warm and moist, they grow out of control and start to cause symptoms. It spreads in damp environments, such as public showers or pool areas.

It can also spread to other areas of the body if a person touches the affected foot and then touches other body parts, such as the hands. Waking around barefoot in warm wet places like locker rooms or public pools can expose the feet to fungi that thrive in those environments.

Sweaty shoes and socks add to the dampness and can make the infection worse. Sharing towels, sheets, clothing, or shoes with someone who has athlete's foot also can spread the infection. The skin can look red, but this may be less noticeable on brown or black skin.

Athlete's foot can also affect your soles or sides of your feet. It sometimes causes fluid-filled blisters. If it's not treated, the infection can spread to your toenails and cause a fungal nail infection. Athlete's foot is unlikely to get better on its own, but you can buy antifungal medicines for it from a pharmacy.

They usually take a few weeks to work. They're not all suitable for everyone — for example, some are only for adults. Always check the packet or ask a pharmacist. It can be passed through direct contact or contact with items such as shoes, stockings, and shower or pool surfaces. The most common symptom is cracked, flaking, peeling skin between the toes or on the side of the foot. Other symptoms can include:. Athlete's foot may occur at the same time as other fungal or yeast skin infections such as jock itch.

Your health care provider can diagnose athlete's foot simply by looking at your skin. If tests are needed, they may include:. If athlete's foot does not get better in 2 to 4 weeks with self-care, or frequently returns, see your provider. Your provider may prescribe:. Athlete's foot almost always responds well to self-care, although it may come back.

Long-term medicine and preventive measures may be needed. The infection can spread to the toenails. Fungal diseases. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Hay RJ. Dermatophytosis ringworm and other superficial mycoses. Editorial team.

Athlete's foot Tinea pedis; Fungal infection - feet; Tinea of the foot; Infection - fungal - feet; Ringworm - foot. Causes Athlete's foot occurs when a certain fungus grows on the skin of your feet.

Your risk for getting athlete's foot increases if you: Wear closed shoes, especially if they are plastic-lined Keep your feet wet for long periods Sweat a lot Develop a minor skin or nail injury Athlete's foot is easily spread.