Definition

Athlete's foot is a common fungus infection that occurs between the toes. The skin becomes itchy and sore and cracks and peels away. Athlete's foot is also known as tinea pedis (pronounced TIN-ee-uh PED-uhs) or foot ring-worm (see ringworm entry). The disease can be treated, but it can be persistent and difficult to clear up completely.

Description

Athlete's foot is characterized by itchy, peeling skin on the feet. It is a very common condition. Most people have the condition at least once in their lives. It occurs less often in women and in children under the age of twelve. Young children may have the symptoms of athlete's foot, but those symptoms are usually caused by other skin conditions.

The fungi that cause athlete's foot grow well in warm, damp areas. For that reason, they often occur in and around swimming pools...