Athlete’s foot or tinea pedis is a skin infection of the foot caused by fungi. Dark, hot, humid environments are ideal for their growth. This infection is transmitted from one person to another by walking barefoot in gyms, locker rooms, hotels and public showers.
There are three types of athlete’s foot:
- Moccasin athlete’s foot is rarely itchy and occurs in the arch of the foot and extends to the foot contours. The edge of the infected skin is usually redder than the rest of the infected area.
- Interdigital athlete’s foot occurs between the toes, most often between the 4th and 5th toes. A white macerated skin is common as well as fissures, redness and burning in the affected area.
- Vesicular athlete’s foot occurs in the arch and is associated with small itchy red vesicles or blisters that contain clear or cloudy liquid.