Athletes Foot
Athlete's foot is a very common skin condition. It is usually a scaly, red, itchy eruption and occasionally may be weepy and oozing it affects the sole of the foot and the skin between the toes. Although it is frequently caused by a fungal infection, other causes may be indistinguishable without proper testing.
The medical name for athlete's foot caused by a fungus is tinea pedis. The fungi can be spread directly from person to person by contact or it can be contracted in many locations, including gyms, locker rooms, swimming pools, nail salons, airport security lines, and from contaminated socks and clothing. Most people acquire fungus on the feet from walking barefoot in areas where someone else with athlete's foot has walked. Another colorful name for this condition is "jungle rot," often used by members of the armed services serving in tropical climates. Some people are simply more prone to this condition while others seem relatively resistant to it.
However, without proper growing conditions such as a warm, moist environment, the fungus may not easily infect the skin. Up to 70% of the population may develop athlete's foot at some time during their lives. An infection by athletes foot fungi does not produce any resistance to subsequent infections. In a summary Athlete's foot is a common dermatitis of the webs of the toes and soles of the feet. When caused by a fungus, athlete's foot may spread to the palm, groin, and body. Fungal infections of the feet are contagious and can be spread person to person or by walking on contaminated objects and floors. Athlete's foot may cause foot itching, burning, pain, and a fungus causes scaling. When athlete’s foot, it can be treated with antifungal medications, many of which are available over the counter. Keeping the feet dry by using cotton socks and breathable shoes can help prevent athlete's foot. Although it is not life threatening in most cases it still is a very big nuisance.