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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffAthlete's foot is closely related to other fungal infections, including ringworm and jock itch. A group of mold-like fungi called dermatophytes causes these infections. These microscopic organisms are normal inhabitants of your skin, and their growth stays in check as long as your skin is clean and dry. However, dematophytes thrive in damp, close environments.
Athlete's foot thrives in thick, tight shoes that squeeze the toes together and create warm, moist areas between them. Damp socks and shoes and warm, humid conditions also favor the organisms' growth. Plastic shoes, in particular, provide a welcoming environment for fungal growth and infection.
Athlete's foot is contagious and can be spread by contact with an infected person or with contact with contaminated surfaces, such as towels, floors and shoes.
- Goldstein A, et al. Dermatophyte (tinea) infections. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 7, 2010.
- Trevino J, et al. Tinea (dermatophyte) infections. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/education/students/Tineainfect.htm. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Augenbaugh W. Cutaneous fungal infections. In: Bope ET, et al. Conn's Current Therapy. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00013-2--sc0100&isbn=978-1-4160-6642-2&sid=1060046265&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00013-2--s1795&uniqId=220345846-2#4-u1.0-B978-1-4160-6642-2..00013-2--s1795. Accessed Sept. 27, 2010.
- Dermatophyte fungal infections. In: Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00022-5&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&sid=1060047096&type=bookPage§ionEid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00022-5--s0375&uniqId=220345846-3#4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..00022-5--s0375. Accessed Sept. 28, 2010.
- Fungus infections: Tinea. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic_diseases/fungus_infections.html. Accessed Sept. 29, 2010.
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