Athlete's Foot

Also called: Tinea pedis

New on the MedlinePlus Athlete's Foot page:

Fungal Culture Test

04/27/2018 04:35 PM EDT

Source: National Library of Medicine - From the National Institutes of Health

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA

National Institutes of Health

The primary NIH organization for research on Athlete's Foot is theNational Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

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Summary

Athlete's foot is a common infection caused by a fungus. It most often affects the space between the toes. Symptoms include itching, burning, and cracked, scaly skin between your toes.

You can get athlete's foot from damp surfaces, such as showers, swimming pools, and locker room floors. To prevent it

Keep your feet clean, dry, and cool
Wear clean socks
Don't walk barefoot in public areas
Wear flip-flops in locker room showers
Keep your toenails clean and clipped short

Treatments include over-the-counter antifungal creams for most cases and prescription medicines for more serious infections. These usually clear up the infection, but it can come back.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention